Is there an ideal time to start researching your parent’s options? One thing is certain of life. You never know what’s going to get tossed your way. Your parents might be fine today. They’re still full of energy and walk for miles every day.
A week from now, your mom’s memory may start slipping. A year from now, she might be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Your dad could have a stroke tomorrow. You don’t want to think the worst, but you should have a plan in place just in case.
Senior Care in Collegeville PA: Looking Into Senior Care Services
Topics That Plan Must Cover.
Open a discussion with your parents about what they want if their situation changes. Do they want you providing the care they need? Do they like the idea of having to move to a new place? That would happen if they opted for assisted living housing.
Talk about your own life. If you’re providing senior care, what are you sacrificing? Will you have to take hours away from your job or children? If you have to quit your job, can you afford it?
Ask your parents what measures they’d want to be taken if they can’t speak for themselves. Do they have advance directives in place with their doctor and hospital? Who is their medical power of attorney? Do they even have legal paperwork covering that topic? If they don’t, they could have doctors making their life choices for them.
Go Through the House.
Many seniors feel comfortable and safe in their current home. It’s uncommon for a senior to want to pack up and move when health or mobility decline. If your parents feel that way, how safe is their home?
It’s a good time to look over the house and see if any improvements are necessary. Your mom and dad have two bathrooms, but in each one, the bathroom door is only 24 inches wide. What happens if your mom or dad requires a wheelchair after a fall? A wheelchair requires a doorway that’s at least 32 inches. You might need to move or widen the opening. Is that possible?
If your parents can’t handle staircases, can they still get to their bedroom or main living areas? Will they need to have a stairlift installed? Do they have the money for that? Are railings on the interior and exterior staircases sturdy and free of splinters? Are any rugs or carpets loose? Are grab bars installed near the toilet and shower or tub?
Once you have an idea of what your parents want as their abilities decline, you can talk to senior care professionals. They can talk about the process, creating a budget, and how to come up with a suitable schedule. Make the decision for senior care after you’ve gained knowledge and really discussed what your parents want. Call today to get started.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Collegeville, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.
