What can I do now?
If you are an adult with an aging parent, you may have noticed that they are not able to take care of themselves like they used to, so it might be time to consider other living arrangements.
This can be a difficult realization, but it’s important to face the fact that your aging loved one may not be safe living alone any longer.
It’s not just a difficult realization, but it can be tough to think about your parents getting old and needing help. You would like to believe that they will be with you forever, but the truth is they won’t.
The fact is, they will get older, and at some point they may need help with their activities of daily lving.
The best way to increase their odds of accepting help later in life is by starting conversations about long-term care early on – – – – long before their health and cognitive functioning start to decline.
When a person’s wishes have been discussed openly for years (and properly documented with living wills, trusts, and powers of attorney), the transition is far less traumatic when they must be acted on.
Though it may be difficult, it is important to have these conversations with your parents now, before it is too late.
If you are not sure how to start the conversation, open up the following:
- Mom/Dad, I know you are getting older and I just want to make sure you are prepared for whatever comes your way.”
- Can we talk about your senior long-term care plans?
By starting the conversation now, you can help ensure that your parents’ wishes are respected – that they receive the care they need – as they age.
As your loved ones age, it is only natural that you worry about their safety. After all, they are not young anymore and may not be able to take care of themselves like they used to.
For many seniors, living alone is the best option and as they feel independent and in control of their lives, however, there are risks associated with living alone.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Isolation. When your senior loved one lives alone, they can become isolated from family, friends or the outside world. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
2. Health. If your senior loved ones’ have health problems, living alone makes it difficult to get the help they need. Cooking healthy meals or taking care of themselves is a struggle for them at this age.
This can lead to further health problems down the road. If your senior loved one is considering living alone, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits.
It is best to talk to your senior loved ones’ and the concerned health care provider to see appropriate decisions to take on.
The top priority here is health and safety in keeping your senior loved ones’ safe
If you’re worried that your senior loved one or aging parent isn’t safe living alone, there are a few things you can do to help them out.
One option is to get help from In-Home Senior Care where a caregiver comes to the home to help with activities of daily living, providing companionship, and offering support. This way, you can rest assured knowing that someone is looking out for them.
When it comes to the safety and well-being of your senior loved ones, there is no room for compromise. Health and safety must always be the top priorities.
That all being said, in making a decision, make sure you talk to your senior loved one or your aging parents about it first.
They may have their own ideas about what they need and how they want to be cared for.
It is best to underscore why living alone among the choice of your senior loved one?
Truth be told, living alone is not only the wishes of your senior loved one or aging parents, but you and I want to have it in our own domain.
Living alone gives one the freedom to do what you want, when you want it.
By that alone is likened to a beyond comparison experience everyone dreamed to indulge in.
A scenario where your senior loved one can come and go as they please, and don’t have to worry about someone else’s schedule or needs.
Thus, they have the opportunity to create their own space, exactly the way you want it.
Be mindful also seniors are more likely to experience a fall when living alone.
This is because they may not have someone to help them with tasks like getting in and out of bed, going to the bathroom, or walking around the house.
There are many risks associated with living alone,, seniors living alone are more likely to experience loneliness and isolation.
When one lives alone, he/she can easily become cut off from the outside world. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression—–how much more your senior loved one?
Additionally, if one lives alone like your senior loved one wants to be in, hence, solely responsible for their own safety and well-being as there is no one there to help.
If you’re worried about your aging parent’s safety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available to you and your family.
