What to Consider When Caring for Seniors at Home

According to a 2021 survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly eight in 10 seniors want to age in place.

At the same time, more than 70% of the survey respondents said that their homes posed accessibility challenges. Ensuring that seniors remain safe and healthy as they go about their lives should be among the top priorities.

Planning is essential for success, but it can be challenging to foresee how seniors’ needs may change in the future. After all, there’s no straight path from A to Z. Aging is a dynamic and often unpredictable process, and every person deals with unique situations.

Whether the planning is for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to approach the process with an open mind. And remember, at some point in time, staying at home may no longer be the best option.

When and if that time comes, options like assisted living help to bridge the gap by providing a combination of independence and supervision.

Preparing for At-Home Care for Seniors

To make a successful plan for in-home care for senior citizens, it’s critical to understand the current conditions and determine what needs to be changed or upgraded. A lot goes into keeping seniors at home while also helping to ensure their health and safety needs are met.

Assess Living Conditions

Whether they live in a house, townhouse, condo, or apartment, safety is paramount. Take a walk through the home and evaluate potential hazards. Actions to consider include:

• Remove tripping hazards like area rugs, extension cords, and clutter.
• Update lighting for better visibility completing tasks and moving around the home.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms, non-slip treads, and safety rails on stairways, non-slip backing on area rugs, and flooring with non-slip surfaces.
• Add a smoke detector to each room and a fire extinguisher on every floor.

Create a Care Plan

Prioritizing seniors’ health is a must.

Evaluate any current medical conditions, make a medication list, and talk about lifestyle habits that support good health.

It’s crucial for seniors to minimize stress, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular activities. Care plans could include the following information:

• Who will provide additional assistance if and/or when seniors need it?
• How will responsibilities be divided among family members to ensure seniors’ needs are met?
• How will seniors’ abilities to eat, dress, bathe, and get around be monitored?
• Who will decide what actions should be taken if they need help with these activities?

Evaluate Finances

For some seniors, keeping up with finances isn’t an issue. Others may need a little extra help along the way.

Now is the time to evaluate what’s going on and plan for dealing with expenses. Although many people assume aging in place is the more economical option, keep in mind that most seniors’ budgets must include:

• Rent or mortgage
• Property insurance and taxes
• Utilities
• Car/insurance/transportation
• Medications, medical insurance
• Out-of-pocket medical costs
• Credit card bills and other debts
• Phone, television, and internet
• Food and personal care items
• In-home care, personal assistive device costs

Have an Honest, Open Conversation

Seniors and their loved ones often dread having “the talk.” However, the sooner the lines of communication open, the better.

Loved ones must be able to talk openly about their concerns, and seniors should be allowed to voice their wishes. Ultimately, the only way to successfully care for seniors at home is to be up front about the challenges and possible solutions.

It’s also essential to have a plan to make it easier to decide what to do when the time to move to assisted living comes. Remember to remain calm and approach these tough conversations with compassion.

Consider Assisted Living

Aging in place doesn’t work for all seniors. It’s also possible that the plan for remaining at home may need adjusting in the future, depending on medical needs or changes in mental status.

Family caregivers aren’t always able to continue caring for their loved ones by themselves through the end of life.

That’s where assisted living communities like Judson Meadows shine. Striking the ideal balance between independent living and 24/7 support, the right assisted living community can provide peace of mind and the ideal level of care for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

With so many unknowns, it’s natural to have questions about in-home care for seniors. Check out some of the frequently asked questions we encounter to find helpful answers.

Is Home Care a Good Option for Older People with Cognitive Issues?

Cognitive issues can affect the way older people act, think, and feel.

Depending on the level of cognitive changes, home care may be successful, or it could prove challenging. Many older people who have dementia and other conditions that cause cognitive problems experience worsening symptoms over time.

Home care could start out as a good solution, but you may need to explore other options in the future as needs evolve.

When Should I Talk with My Parents About Help in the Home?

The sooner you broach the topic, the better. The best time to talk about it is before your parents need help.

If they are already at the stage where in-home help is needed, set time aside to talk when you won’t be rushed. The conversation should happen when your parents are alert, and without distraction.

What Do I Do if My Parents Don’t Think They Need Help, but They Do?

Take your time, be patient, and remain persistent. Aging can be frightening, and parents can often become stubborn and frustrated because they feel helpless.

Focus on the positives that come with getting help and provide them with as many care options as possible. Be sure to approach the conversation in a way that lets the senior feel like they have choices, and their input is valued.

Will Mom Be Safe Living at Home?

Every situation is unique. Seniors face common at-home safety risks like falls, fires, medication errors, malnutrition, abuse, and crime.

Remaining involved in dad or mom’s life by visiting or keeping in touch by phone can help. Arranging professional in-home care for senior citizens is another way to help increase safety. At some point, safety concerns may trump the desire to keep your mom at home, at which time alternatives like services offered in assisted living communities should be explored.

How Can I be Sure the Person Coming to My Home is Trustworthy?

Hiring in-home help can be challenging.

Be sure to screen potential caregivers and perform background checks. Review what past patients and clients have had to say about the services and conduct a thorough interview to gain references.

Be sure to verify credentials and take a little time to get to know them and determine if they are compatible with you or your loved one.

Learn More About Assisted Living at Judson Meadows

For seniors who want to remain as independent as possible while having opportunities for social enrichment and 24/7 care, another option exists.

Assisted living offers an exceptional quality of life. Learn more about just how wonderful it can be. Contact Judson Meadows Assisted Living Community today to learn more or to schedule a tour.