It’s not easy for us to know or admit when an ageing parent might need a bit of outside help.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The thought of them entering the next phase of their lives can be a bit daunting and something we don’t really want to think about.
Often times ignoring it or putting it off can result in it coming suddenly. A fall, a stroke, an illness.
Not being prepared can throw your life and theirs into mayhem.
However, by knowing what to look for, having a plan and understanding that you don’t have to do it alone, entering this phase can be a nothing more than a subtle transition.
In fact, as many discover, it can be a life enhancer for them (and a stress reliever for you).
Know what to look for
1. Changes in Physical Function and Motor Skills
- Have you noticed any changes in your parent's ability to function physically?
2. Personal Hygiene
- Have you noticed a change in their personal hygiene?
3. Physical Appearance
- Has your parent lost weight or gained weight (could be due to depression, binging, trouble cooking, trouble shopping)?
4. Injuries
- Have you noticed any injuries or bruises on your parent (explained or unexplained)?
5. Household and Garden in Disrepair
- Are your parents having trouble with the upkeep of the house or garden?
6. Changes in Mood and Personality
- Have you noticed a change in your parent's personality?
7. Confusion or Forgetfulness
- Does a parent seem to be getting more confused or bewildered?
8. Withdrawal, Loss of Motivation, Depression
- Have you noticed a decline in your parent's motivation?
9 Difficulties With Everyday Activities
- Have they been having difficulties with day to day activities?
- Bathing or showering?
- Personal hygiene?
What To Do
Depending on what signs you start noticing, the best thing usually is to seek professional advice.
If you think your parents or a parent is in need of home care our team at Sue Mann Nursing & Community Care can help you get started.
The process can be complicated, so we can help you through the steps and discuss with you the different levels of Home Care Packages and what might be suitable for them.
If you haven’t already, have a conversation with your parents about their wants, desires and needs.
Have they thought about what sort of care they envision?
The good news is that, if you have a bit of a plan and know that there’s help available, then a lot of the time, not too much has to change.
The preferred option for many is In Home Care because it means your parents don’t have to go anywhere. They get to stay in their same warm, familiar, comfortable home.
Surrounded by the things they love instead of a new and somewhat scary hospital or nursing home.
In Home Care can take care of just about everything. From gardening and housekeeping to personal care and disability nursing.
Even complex care cases can usually be accommodated… so what would once mean changing the home for a hospital is no longer the case.
You and your siblings can rest at ease knowing that your parents are being taken care of by warm, friendly professionals
Worry, guilt and burden can be replaced with peace of mind as you not only feel they are now safer, but possibly even improving.
With a bit of help taking care of the day to day and a new face around, they often start regaining their independence, feeling inspired to take up new hobbies, spend more time with family and friends and just generally live better.
There is help our there that the elderly are entitled to (and in many cases covered by the Government).
If you would like to find out more about In Home Care and how it can help you care for your parents, then feel free to call Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care on 1300 241 300 and we’ll answer any questions you have.
