Caring For Elderly Parents

There is not any special or specific age that signals whenever your elderly parent can no longer be on his / her own. We need to be vigilant to make sure that our seniors are eating well, taking proper care of themselves, staying on top of their medications, and keeping all medical appointments. Additionally it is important that their home environment is clean and safe and that they have a social support system. They are ideals that we all need to shoot for.

The time to take action is once you see changes, regardless of how subtle. May be the mail going unopened for days? Are bills being ignored? Is your parent declining to answer the telephone or stay in touch with friends and family?

You also need to step back and take a hard look at your parent's environment. Consider ways to make things safer, brighter, and cleaner, given your time and finances. This includes an array of questions you need to ask, including:

? Will be the locks adequate and working?
? Is the electricity and every one of the lighting fixtures and appliances in working order?
? Is the exterior of the house and grounds kept up?
? Are 資格 worried about getting adequate food and nourishment?
? Are they taking their medications and likely to medical appointments?
? Are they getting exercise?

When you have done everything within your power, also it becomes obvious that it's not enough, it's time to reevaluate the problem and explore other housing options. It is very important when looking after elderly parents that you include them in your choice making process each step of the way when possible. Open communication is invaluable. Be aware of the options that are offered such as: relocating with you or another family member, moving to an inferior apartment/living space closer to you, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.