Does My Senior Parent Need a Caregiver?

Home Care Assistance Dallas, TX

At some point, many children wonder whether an independent senior parent would benefit from the presence of a skilled caregiver in the home. Answering this question depends in large measure upon the unique situation of the senior. While some elderly people cope very well living independently into an advanced age, others definitely benefit from the assistance of other people.

A Complex Issue

Families circumstances differ markedly, sometimes, so one issue might figure prominently in the case of one particular senior, yet not really matter very much in the life of another. A few of the most significant factors to consider as you seek to determine whether an individual senior would benefit from the assistance of a caregiver include these items:

Does the senior suffer from any health issues;

If the senior takes medication, what is the compliance rate?

Has the senior experienced any confused wandering issues?

How often can friends and family members check on the senior's wellbeing during a typical day?

Does the senior reside in an isolated location, or close to health and emergency services?

Is transportation an issue for the senior?

Does the senior live alone, or with other people?

Has the senior recently sustained accidents at home?

Practical Steps In some states, state agencies serving elderly clients provide a structure for having

independent observers evaluate the living situation and health condition of a senior on a voluntary basis. This step may prove very useful in connecting an elderly person more effectively with a supportive network of helpful social and medical services.

For example, the evaluator may recommend that the senior obtain part-time housekeeping or meal assistance. An evaluation may also offer constructive steps for obtaining reliable transportation, or for modifying the home environment to reduce the threat of accidents.

Promoting Senior Well Being Family members often provide useful information to people assessing the

condition of senior independence. By cooperating closely with social service agencies, children may assist elderly parents in maintaining their autonomy safely for longer periods of time.

As a general rule of thumb, enabling a senior to reside for a longer period of time independently tends to conserve resources. Unless medical circumstances mandate a different living arrangement, many social service agencies prefer to help family members find ways to encourage senior autonomy.

Caregiver Issues

Children who experience concern that an elderly parent might benefit from a part or full-time caregiver should consider addressing their views candidly with the senior. By obtaining an elderly person's consent to have living conditions evaluated professionally to assess risks, children potentially benefit an aging parent and obtain greater peace of mind.

Thank You!

Address: Preston Center 6029 Berkshire Lane

Dallas, TX 75225

Phone: 214-363-3400

Website: www.dallashomecareassistance.com