There may come a day where your parents will no longer be able to live at home safely, but how do you know? What should you be on the lookout for? When you don’t live in the same neighborhood, or state, how do you ask questions to understand how your parents are really doing? How do you have this critical conversation without upsetting your parents?
Determining that your aging parents can no longer live safely at home is not easy for anyone. This is a difficult conversation to have and very few of us have the conversation early. It will help if you can begin to notice the signs and symptoms ahead of time and create a game plan with your parents for how they want to receive care as they age.
Where do you get started? The following are five questions for you to ask yourself and your parents.
1. Have your parents been in an accident? Have they tripped or fallen within their home or outside it? Did a significant injury result? If the answer is yes, or almost, then it is likely that they may not be able to live at home alone. What solutions can you develop together? Grab bars and non-slip floor pads may be an easy solution. It is best to do whatever you can now to prevent these types of accidents because they can lead to significant injury or even death.
2. Are they developing early symptoms of a disease or illness? Signs such as forgetfulness, irritation, and loss of meaningful memories can signal early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. If this is the case, consult with their doctor and determine if it is still safe for them to remain alone in their home.
3. Are your parents physically capable of taking care of themselves? If you notice changes in hygiene or cleanliness, then it is possible that your parents are no longer able to wash themselves properly or complete daily chores such as laundry. Issues like this can lead to infection and signify deeper problems.
4. Are they able to complete activities of daily living? Daily activities include things such as bathing, feeding themselves and toileting. What about other responsibilities such as keeping up with the home maintenance, paying bills, and taking out the trash. If your parents cannot do these things, you may want to consider assistance to support them.
5. Are you feeling stressed and anxious about your parents? Talk to your parents. If you are completing daily, if not hourly, check in calls or providing care yourself, it may be time to find alternatives for your parent’s living situation. It is better to find an alternative than to become so overwhelmed that you cannot provide the resources for your parents that they truly need.
If you suspect your parents are at risk or are no longer able to live in their home safely and independently, it is best to find another option for them sooner rather than later. Although this can be difficult to discuss, the longer you wait the more dangerous it can become for you loved ones. Contact us through our website or call us at +1 (321) 723-8388 to schedule an appointment with Attorney David Jacoby.