Spend International Day of Older Persons Talking About Your Mom’s Goals
In 1990, the United Nations named October 1st the International Day of Older Persons. It’s a day to honor all older adults do for communities and families. Your mom does a lot for your family, but she’s slowing down. How can you support her now?
Ask Her What She Wants
Don’t push what you think is best on your mom. Ask her what she wants. Does she plan to stay in the family home for the rest of her life or is she looking to downsize? Most older adults don’t want to pack up and move, and you have to support her if that’s her wish and it’s possible.
Sometimes, it does take adjustment to make your mom’s current home work for her. She might not be able to live at home unless her bedroom is moved to the main level.
Your mom lives in an old farmhouse, and the bathroom is downstairs while all the bedrooms are upstairs. She can’t walk up and down the stairs easily, so look for a way to move her bedroom downstairs. Turn a den or unused reception room into her bedroom.
The goal is to make sure her bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom are on the first level of the home. That way, if there is a fire or another emergency, she can get out of the house without much of a struggle.
How Is Her Health?
Most adults over the age of 64 have at least one chronic health condition. Arthritis and high blood pressure are two of the most common. If your mom has health issues, she may need help managing them.
She needs someone to remind her to take medications or help her get the meal or beverage that is required when she takes them. Some pills must be taken with milk, and others have to be taken on an empty stomach, so only water is allowed. If she needs help remembering these requirements, have someone there to help out.
Your mom might prefer to have someone in the home in case the side effects of the pills she takes make her dizzy or nauseous. Driving her car isn’t allowed when she takes certain medications, so she needs a ride to stores or social events.
Would She Willingly Accept Help?
You might be surprised to find out your mom is already thinking about home care services. She’s anxious walking down the basement or garage stairs to do her laundry. If she doesn’t have a dryer, she finds it hard to carry the heavy laundry basket of wet items outside to hang on the clothesline.
If your mom says she’s ready to have help, arrange it for her. Get a list of questions together and have her nearby when you make the call.
Once you know your mom’s goals for aging, make sure she has the support she needs to achieve them. Elder care services ensure your mom’s companion care and personal care needs are addressed. Get answers to your questions by talking to an elder care specialist.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Jenison, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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