The FAMCare Blog

Today's blog is written by guest blogger, Sharon Wagner, from Senior Friendly.  We truly appreciate her for sharing these helpful insights for seniors and their families.  

If you have loved ones who are getting on in years, they might have reached a point where they need more help than they will admit. Perhaps you noticed on your last visit they were having trouble keeping up with the house or they needed more assistance than usual. Discover how you can help your family member or loved one by being there in the ways they need.

Know What to Look For...

If you are concerned family members or other loved ones need additional help, it's important to assess how they seem to be doing currently. According to experts, there are several signs you should watch for:

• Do they forget information such as where they are or who certain family members are?
• Is it hard for them to take care of their home or pets?
• Are they having trouble managing basic hygiene such as taking a bath or washing clothing?

Plan Your Move...

Perhaps you've determined it is in your best interests to move closer to help. If that's the case, discuss the matter with your loved one, including explaining why it is necessary. Be aware you might have a disagreement on your hands, but keep their safety and needs in mind all the same. Then think about if you will be moving into your family member's home or if you would be better off buying a new house for both of you to live in.

If you decide to buy a new house, consider getting preapproved for a mortgage. Once you are preapproved, it is easier for you to move quickly and realtors may find it easier to work with you.  This process allows you to discover how much you can borrow, too. Make sure the home is big enough and see if it has an HOA.

For those moving from another state or far away, use this opportunity to get rid of clutter and other items you don't need. Take time to pack everything carefully and label it in each box, and consider color-coding the boxes for different rooms, making the unpacking process easier. 

Find Outside Services to Assist You...

After moving to take care of your loved one, you may benefit from outside services helping you with your daily life. Consider getting help with grocery delivery, a laundry service, a dog walker, and even a caregiver for your loved one. 

Hiring outside services can allow you to spend more time with your family member, get your new home in order, and generally relieve you of stress you might be experiencing with managing a change in lifestyle while taking care of someone. 

See if Your Loved One Needs a Different Living Arrangement...

There might come a time when it is no longer feasible for your loved one to continue living at home, even with you there. Depending on where you live, there might be different possibilities.

Seniors can live in an assisted living facility where they have their own private room but are able to access the services of professionals, such as CNAs and nurses if needed. If they need more hands-on care, a nursing home could provide all their needs for them. 

Leaving your current home to take care of older family members can be difficult. Knowing how you can help them manage and what you can do to make life easier for yourself are both necessary during this transition. 

You can read more about issues/solutions for Elderly/Aging Long Term Care on our blog.  Enjoy our content? Then please subscribe for instant, weekly or monthly updates!