Saving Your Loved One’s Independence

Posted on: 24 August 2017

If you no longer live with an aging parent, visiting them can alert you to any health problems they're experiencing and their lifestyle can become clearer. You may start to worry about whether they will be alright if they continue to live on their own but remain unsure about whether they need professional help. Asking these questions could make senior care decisions easier.

Can They Get Through Daily Care Routines?

When you visit your parent, how do they look to you? Is it clear that they've been brushing their hair and teeth? Are their clothes laundered? Are their fingernails trimmed? If your parent is beginning to have trouble taking care of their personal care each day, that could be a warning sign that you've got to intercede.  

Do They Remember Medication Times?

While you might know they're taking different medications, it's important that you know whether they're taking their medications and doing so at the right time and in the right manner. If they have a pill they should be taking with food each morning, are they doing so? Are they crushing pills that should not be crushed? Get a list of their prescriptions and during their next visit, observe their routine and discuss their medications. If you notice that they need help, it could be time for a regular nurse to step in.

Are Their Health Conditions Under Control?

If your parent is a so-called "brittle diabetic" whose blood sugar is not always under control or they have another chronic illness that isn't well-handled, it could be time for a pro. While constant hospital visits might not be happening yet, listen and watch for signs that they're having difficulty caring for their health conditions.

Do They Leave Home at Strange Times?

If you're staying with your parent for a few days and they seem to leave the house without any destination at strange hours, that could be the start of a problem. Wandering can sometimes expose dementia or Alzheimer's disease and the practice can eventually become very dangerous to them in the future. If you're concerned about your parent's safety, a home nurse can supervise their movements and keep them indoors.

It is not always easy to see your parents become old, particularly if they need professional assistance. However, protecting them by setting up home nursing services or considering  assisted living centers can keep them healthy and safe when you're not able to be there. Discuss their particular conditions with professionals in the field for solid suggestions.