It's hard enough caring for little people all day long, much less aging parents. Recently on www.MomsLikeMe.com moms were sharing their fears, anxiety and stress that can sometimes come with declining health for those we care about.
Erin Simon, a Client Care Director with Senior Helpers of Traverse City, offered some tips and advice for moms to help us be proactive in these sticky situations with parents, grandparents, and others.
1. Start the conversation early. Talk about your parent's wishes. Where do they see themselves growing old? Would they like to stay at home? In a retirement community? Keeping the lines of communication open and honest will help as they age.
2. Look for changes in behavior. If you're not nearby to check in on them, ask questions. When was the last time they met up with friends? Have they been to the grocery store lately? What did they have for dinner the night before? Questions that will alert you to their current living situation. You can find out if they are becoming isolated or still involved in their normal social activities.
3. Prevent! Falls are one of the biggest concerns for seniors. Preventing a fall is the key. Make sure you are aware of their mobility range. Even if they are moving around pretty well on their own, check for loose rugs around the house or end tables/decorations that could be easily moved to give them more space. These small steps can prevent an accident. There are
also many other safety measures that can be put into place to assist with this prevention.
4. Look into your options before there is a problem -- home care,
continuing care communities, long term care facilities.
Some Local GR Area Resources Include:
Gerontology Network, PH #: (616) 456-6135
www.gerontologynetwork.org
Area on Aging, Grand Rapids, MI
www.aaawm.org PH #: 616-456-5664
Courtesy: Sarah Cavanaugh, www.momslikeme.com