Signs That Show Your Parents May Need Assistance
/ITS ONE THING TO TALK ON THE PHONE, QUITE ANOTHER TO BE PRESENT IN YOUR PARENT’S HOME.
As the holidays near and families are going to be traveling to visit their parents, there are signs you can look for to judge if they are nearing the point of needing some assistance with their normal activities of living in their own home.
The easiest thing to recognize before you walk in the door is if the house and yard need care. As you walk in the door, is their appearance as neat and clean as they have always been? Are their clothes clean, hair clean and combed? Is the mail piling up, newspapers out of their wrappers, bills paid on time? Is food spoiling in the fridge? Are there expired groceries not thrown away? Are they shopping regularly? How is the laundry room, are clothes piling up?
One of the most difficult situations adult children have to face is the failing health of their parents. Rest assured if they do need help they will not tell you. A couple of the strongest desires in a parent is to remain independent and not be a burden on their children. Unfortunately, it may be a traumatic event that makes you finally realize your parents need assistance at home. Maybe a fall or the gas stove was left on causing a fire, etc. Being proactive and looking for signs of decline can trigger conversations about how you can help your parents before it consumes you. Most importantly, you do not want to make rushed, irrational decisions. Be sure to take the time to pay close attention to your parents surroundings when you visit them over the upcoming holidays.
When I look back at the care we provided for our parents, I feel good we made many of the right decisions. I have spent a life time working in the nonprofit world so I had some experience on my side. Even then it was some of the most difficult times of my life. It is no fun watching your parents decline and eventual passing. It is why I have started this business, so I can share with our clients what I have learned through the entire experience of caring for my parents.