What Conversations Should You Have With Your Parents Regarding Elder Care?

By Marina Pink | December 19, 2018 |

Elder care is not a concern to take lightly. Your parents may not tell you that they need help. You may not notice it until the neglect in their home and themselves is overly apparent. Don’t find out when it’s a little too late. Talk to your parents openly about elder care.

Caregiver in Encino CA: Elder Care Opportunities

Here are topics you need to talk about with the family.

Seniors Can’t Always Hide Things

Your parent may be trying to hide things from you. Many elderly men and women don’t want to admit they’re struggling with incontinence or toileting. They try to hide it, but you can smell the urine. They can’t do laundry, and you can smell it.

Be sensitive when you bring up that you can tell personal care, laundry, or housekeeping are starting to slide. Point attention to yourself rather than your mom or dad. You could say something like how you’ve noticed your knees ache after carrying laundry up and down the basement stairs. As you open up, your parents may start to admit they know exactly what that’s like.

Once you have gotten them talking, ask if there are other areas where they have difficulty. Talk about driving, cooking meals, and cleaning the house. Those are standard areas where seniors often need help with day-to-day routines.

Have the Doctors Given Any Advice or Recommendations?

Ask if they’ll let you attend a doctor’s appointment. They’ll need to add your name to HIPAA permissions to allow the doctor to discuss your medical records. If you can go, it’s a great place to start.

At the doctor’s office, you can ask about prescriptions your mom and dad are taking. You can find out if there are any issues that might make it unsafe for them to drive. You’ll also learn about potential health issues and symptoms they may experience. Finally, find out if their vaccinations and recommended tests are current.

When Is the Right Time to Start Planning?

The earlier you have this conversation the better. Elder care services can take time to get used to. If you start your parents out with once-a-week services when they only need minimal help, it gives them time to get to know their caregiver. When the time comes that they need help each day or with personal care, they’ll be comfortable with that aide.

Once you know what services your parents would find beneficial, call an elder care specialist. You’ll be able to ask about rates, services available in your mom and dad’s neighborhood, and how often to schedule caregivers.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Encino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.