5 Signs Mom or Dad Needs Help at Home

As our parents age it's often difficult to know when the right time is to "butt in" and encourage them to get help at home. Most people do not want to give up their independence but there comes a time, when a reversal of roles becomes necessary to ensure that our parents are safe and comfortable. Some people are able to remain completely independent into their nineties, while others may need help as they approach seventy. How do you know when that time has arrived? Here are some tips that might be useful.

1. Falling. As we age our center of gravity shifts and balance and coordination decrease. Our muscles aren't as strong as they used to be and bones are more brittle. That makes falls more likely. Falling can have very serious consequences for people as they age, often leading to fractures, hospitalizations and rehab stays. If your parents are starting to have falls, this is an indication that maybe they can use some assistance in the home with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation or getting to and from the lavatory.

2. Memory Loss. Some memory loss is a normal part of aging. More severe memory loss can be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. If you sense that mom or dad is missing lots of appointments, forgetting to eat meals, or take medication this could be an indication that they need some in home supervision. Sometimes it is as simple as having someone check frequently to make sure that medications are taken. Other times people have to be reminded to eat or perform other activities fo daily living. Having daily contact with a family member or home companion can make a big difference from someone suffering memory loss.

3. Spouse is ill. Maybe Dad has had to go to the hospital for surgery or illness, and mom is his primary caretaker. After going home from the hospital she is struggling to provide care for him. Maybe he is too heavy for her to lift or the constant demands of caregiving are preventing her from sleeping at night. This is a common scenario and a sign that mom is going to need help to maintain her own health.

4. Decline in Home Maintainence. Maybe your mom has a reputation for having kitchen floors that are clean enough to eat off of and Dad takes care of his own lawn. It's a surprise when you come home for Thanksgiving to see dishes stacked in the sink,an invisible countertop and weeds growing in what was once an immaculate flower bed. If you see a change in the way your parents care for their home, it is often a sign that they are no longer able to keep up with demands of cleaning and maintaining a home.
5. Chronic Illness. Diagnosis of a chronic illness can be overwhelming for many seniors. It means more frequent trips to the doctor, keeping track of prescriptions and medications, seeing several medical specialists, and coordinating lots of information. This is all in addition to the symptoms of the disease. A diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Arthritis, or Cancer can be more than a person can deal with on their own. Having a family member or caregiver to help keep health information organized can make a big difference to someone's overall sense of well being. It is also helpful to have someone help monitor symptoms so that doctors can more accurately manage the illness.

If you notice any of these signs, it is possible that it is time to reach out to your parents and offer more help. Assistance with little things can be of great importance. Preparing meals, reminding for medications, attending doctors appointments, helping with housework, and providing transportation to appointments takes some of the pressure off mom or dad. If it isn't possible for you to provide daily assistance to them, then you might consider hiring someone to help them out. If you need more information about in-home care options, call us at 281-335-4882. We can help you problem solve around your particular situation.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Home Care Agency

These days it seems like there are agencies providing senior care on every corner. How to find an agency that is reputable and suits your needs can be really challenging. Many elderly people are frequent targets of abuse and it is crucial that you ask the right questions when looking for someone to entrust to access to family and home. Here are some questions to ask when screening a potential person or agency. Too often questions center solely around pricing. This is a valid concern during times when dollars for caregiving have to stretch, but sometimes the option that appears to be the most cost effective can wind up being much more costly. These tips are for not for the pennywise and pound foolish.





1. How does your agency select it's caregivers?


2. Is your agency licensed, bonded and insured?


3. Are the agencies employees W-2 employees or independent contractors?

4. Does the agency care worker's comp insurance or employer's occupational insurance in case a caregiver is injured on the job?


5. What is the agency's policy when a caregiver is unable to come to work because of illness?


6. Who supervises caregivers and how frequently are they supervised?


7. Are candidates drug tested?


8. Are there a minimum number of hours that must be used?


9. What notice is necessary for cancelling services with the agency?


10. Is there a Registered Nurse or Social Worker available to do the initial assessements?


11. What are the ongoing training requirements for caregivers?


12. Does the agency have any national affiliations? Have they received any special recognition?


13. Can the agency provide testimonials from satisfied customers?


14. Will the agency allow the family to interview caregivers before they begin working?


15. Does the agency hire Certified Nurse Aides or do they hire well meaning inexperienced caregivers?


16. How many years has the agency been in business? What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau?