At Senior Care Network, we recognize how special the holiday season is for all of us. We all look forward to it with all our hearts. It’s a time of celebration and rejoicing. As a child, you, too, might have planned a trip or maybe wanted to host a grand celebration at your place for your aging parents.
But as they progress towards their later years, maybe it’s time to plan things a bit differently. The best holiday-season present you can give them this time is preparing for their future needs. This is your opportunity to express your love towards your parents. Show them how much they mean to you.
Let’s take a look at how you can choose the right care option for your elderly mom or dad this holiday season. We’ll also give you an overview of how we, as a senior care coordinator, can help you during this crucial time as you plan for your golden years.
Assess Their Situation
While aging brings its share of challenges for all seniors, the extent of those challenges varies from person to person. To ensure you take every necessary step, begin by assessing their current situation.
Evaluate Their Home
Perform a thorough assessment of their current residence. Look for safety hazards that could lead to falls or accidents. Check their ability to manage daily chores and assess whether they need assistance with mobility or can live independently.
Observe Their Health
Pay attention to their health and wellness. Focus on all aspects—physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Note any signs of irritability or overstimulation caused by any factor. This will help you evaluate how much support they need.
Check Medication Management
See how well they are following the prescribed medication management plan. Check whether they are taking doses as prescribed and whether there are any unused or expired medications.
Assess Their Routine
Ask and note how travel and changes in routine affect their ability to lead a quality life. This will help you better evaluate how much regularity they need in daily life.
Have A Conversation
Now it’s time to schedule a casual conversation with your parents. We’re having this conversation casually, but you need to be particular about everything they need and seek their future care options.
Talk Openly
Choose a calming space to have an open conversation with your parents. Be collaborative in your approach when seeking their preferences and wishes. Listen to their concerns and probable doubts, as you need to find a care option that is comforting and convenient for them.
Discuss Their Preferences
Ask about their preferences for the kind of living environment they want. See whether they prefer a socially enriched environment or privacy, which they seek through occasional social interactions.
Set Expectations
Talk with other family members about their preferences to manage expectations and establish clear boundaries, ensuring a smoother experience for them if home care is needed.
Explore Care Options
Finding and choosing the perfect care option for an aging parent is an endeavor to discover one that fulfills all their needs. Here are some valid care options you can consider for this.
Bring Them Home For The Holidays
Cherish the holiday season as you welcome your aging parents to your home. It will be the start of a new chapter for both you and them. They get to age in place with their loved one while you support their healthy aging. However, you should opt for this option only if they need assistance with a few daily living activities and are otherwise fine living independently.
Hire Professional Help
Professionals can step in when living at home no longer seems ideal. Here’s a closer look at the professional care options you can choose from.
In-Home Care
It includes hiring a professional in-home caregiver to assist the senior with daily tasks, meal preparation, or medication management, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis. It’s best for those who want to maintain a high degree of independence but need occasional assistance with daily tasks.
Independent Living
It’s a senior housing option best suited for those who want to live a self-sufficient life while enjoying lavish amenities in a communal setting. Primary benefits include a maintenance-free lifestyle, increased social engagement, financial predictability, and enhanced safety and security.
Assisted Living
A housing and support option for those needing help with daily living activities (ADLs) but wanting to maintain independence as well. Benefits include personalized care plans, assistance with daily living tasks like bathing and dressing, medication management, and a secure environment.
Skilled Nursing
It’s for those needing comprehensive, 24/7 medical and personal care. They get to live in a safe environment while accessing on-site rehabilitation services. These are best for seniors with severe mobility disabilities who need regular assistance with various activities.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCS)
Best for seniors planning to age in place. They have access to lifelong care and comprehensive on-site services while enjoying a socially rich environment. It works like a ‘one-stop shop’ for aging.
Make The Final Choice
You must make a rational decision backed by facts and an assessment of your parents’ needs.
Prioritize Their Needs
Go with an option that feels right to you and your parent. The best option would be the one that ensures your parents’ health, safety, and comfort.
Plan For Future Needs
Don’t just plan for now; choose an option that serves their future needs as well.
Consult A Professional
If unsure about anything, it’s best to consult a senior care coordinator , such as Senior Care Network. We’ll help you decide what’s best for your aging parents’ current and future needs.
Senior Care Network – Take The Next Step Confidently
At Senior Care Network, we believe that holidays are special for everyone. It gives everyone the perfect opportunity to plan while enjoying the liveliness of the season of joy and togetherness. You can support your parents’ health, safety, and well-being.
The information above briefly explains how you, as a child, can plan for your aging mom and dad. Actually, it’s best to prepare for a reliable future care option to ensure your loved one receives the support they need at the right time. Determine their situation, identify valid possibilities, and make the best decision for them.
As a senior care coordinator , we are here to support you at every step of the process. Contact us and ensure a secure future for your aging parents. We will help explore all available resources, including senior living options, financial assistance, and legal matters.
