Taking care of an aging parent can be challenging. More often than not, a family member asks a parent to move in with them when they get sick or when their spouse dies. It is not safe to have an old person living all alone, especially if he or she has a medical condition or has recently had surgery. A constant companion or someone to talk to is also needed to help him or her cope with the loss of a spouse or loved one.
In Exton and neighboring cities, reputable senior home health care services offer more than just expert health care for the elderly. More than monitoring their health and making sure that they take their maintenance medication, these professionals offer assistance to help the elderly with their daily routines.
Should Your Old Parent Live with You?
In some cultures, it is normal for families to live with their old parents. Family members take turns in caring for their old parents, especially when they become too weak to go to the different areas of the house, take a bath, or feed themselves. In the United States, it is accepted practice to take a parent to a nursing home or facility so that he or she can receive proper medical care. More importantly, he or she will be in the company of his peers during the day. Socialization is an important activity for seniors. They need to talk to people who can relate to their experiences and stories.
Would Your Old Parent Rather Stay in His or Her Own Home?
While it may be considered selfless and noble to let your old parent live with you, it would not do him a lot of good if he or she will always be left alone. Researchers say that most seniors would choose to stay in their own homes rather than live in a family member’s home.
Should You Hire a Caregiver for Your Old Parent Instead?
In situations like this, it might be wise to consider hiring a caregiver to assist your old parent in his or her daily needs. Depending on the condition, the caregiver can stay during the day and take care of household chores, including preparing meals and giving baths. If your old parent has health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, then hiring a caregiver with a solid medical background will be more helpful. A trained nurse can check his blood pressure or glucose levels and monitor any irregularities, especially at night.
Being there for an aging parent does not always mean living with him or her in the same house. Sometimes, the best way to care for our old parents is to make sure that they get the help when they need it most. We can choose to take them to a nursing home, hire a caregiver for their daily routines, or ask them if they would rather stay in their own homes. Sometimes it is best to let our old parents decide what is best for them.
