Being There for a Loved One When You’re Needed
Seniors vastly prefer aging in place to living in a senior living community. But what if you live some distance away from your senior loved one? As their physical and mental health starts to decline, you’ll begin to notice particular signs that indicate it would be better if you moved closer. Here are some of those signs, presented by Redman Power Chair.
Signs of Physical and Mental Health Decline
Poor Housekeeping and Maintenance
If your senior loved ones’ home is frequently dirty and untidy, it may be a sign they need your help. There could be dirty or unfolded laundry, unemptied trash, or a sink full of greasy dishes. Outside, the grass may be overgrown, gutters and downpipes may need repair, and any fallen snow is left unmoved.
Driving Issues
Traffic tickets, fender benders, and frequent dents in your loved one’s vehicle may be causing you concern. Telling your loved one they should no longer drive due to safety issues can be tricky, points out The Doctor Weighs In. After all, many people see it as the epitome of independence. You could teach them how to use ride-share apps such as Uber and show them how to call a taxi, allowing them some freedom.
Confusion
If your loved one is continually confused, Healthline notes that it may be a sign of dementia. Symptoms of this memory-depleting disease include your loved one having trouble concentrating and struggling to hold a conversation over the phone.
If your loved one has dementia, they might start refusing to take medications that are crucial to their health. This could be a response to feeling afraid of being asked what to do, or they may feel they have no control over their lives.
Professional Maintenance and Discussing Downsizing
Assess your loved one’s home and record any maintenance that needs urgent attention. One such job could be gutter cleaning. Seach “gutter cleaning near me” online and read reviews. Then, hire professionals to carry out the work. They will have all the tools and know-how to complete the cleanings, and it will be far safer than attempting the job yourself.
If you find that your loved one is safe in their home, but that their current residence is just too much house for them to care for, consider helping them downsize. Talk through their options together. An apartment comes with the benefit of no lawn work or home upkeep, but your loved one will also lose privacy and equity. If they decide to sell their home and buy a smaller property, you will collectively need to decide whether to sell first and use the equity for the move, or buy first and limit the hassle of the transition.
Keep Your Loved One in the Loop, Including Moving Their Home Office
Keep your senior loved one in the loop concerning the move – it’s all about good (and positive) communication. Update them of any changes in the arrangements and continually let them know that although you’ll be there to help them when they need you, they will still be able to maintain some of their independence.
If part of their independence involves working, talk to them about their options. They may need to start working from home to avoid the stress and danger of driving. Or if they already have a home office, help them transition their work environment during the move by clearly labeling office boxes, helping them sort through important documents, and letting their IT department know there will be a change.
The Alternative
Of course, it may be a case that your loved ones’ home is no longer suitable, and a better solution would be a senior living community. Depending on the level of care required, this could be independent living, assisted living, or memory care.
Peace of Mind
Moving closer to your senior loved one can be a massive upheaval, and it’s often difficult to convince them it’s the right thing to do. But the peace of mind it gives you, and your loved one makes it all worthwhile in the end.
Redman Power Chair combines fit and function with extreme reliability to enhance the lives of hundreds of satisfied customers. Contact us today for more info! 1-800-727-6684
– Many thanks to Sharon Wagner of Senior Friendly for this article!
