Taking Care of Your Senior: How to Prepare for the Future

Photo by Greta Hoffman from Pexels

This is a guest post by Sharon Wagner. Sharon uses her site, seniorfriendly.info, to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.

When it comes to your senior loved one, you may notice that he or she does not have the same abilities anymore. It may become increasingly difficult for your loved one to care for him or herself, and you may need to move closer to help assist with the care.

Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags

There are various red flags to watch out for regarding your senior’s ability to live alone. Mental and/or physical deterioration is the most common reason people require assistance in their golden years. If your loved one falls often or becomes injured performing daily tasks, you may want to consider the possibility he or she cannot live alone.

You may witness bruises, cuts, or scrapes on your senior’s vehicles. Since it may be difficult for seniors to leave the house or visit with friends, you may notice the individual becoming more isolated. Despite spending a lot of time at home, your loved one may have difficulty keeping the house clean and tidy.

If you decide you need to move closer, you may feel overwhelmed at first. Before the move, create a timetable to follow. You should have a strict schedule and plan in advance, so you do not feel rushed on moving day. When moving, label all boxes by room to quickly sort and organize them when you arrive at your new place.

Create an Open Environment for Conversation

If you witness multiple signs of a senior requiring extra assistance, you need to start a conversation. Before you do, acknowledge the difficulty of talking. Most people do not want to live dependently on anyone, much less leave their homes. You should approach the conversation from an emotional and empathetic place.

Start with a list of your concerns. Write down whether you worry about specific health problems, daily living struggles, grooming habits, or any other concerns you observe. In addition to your list, talk with other members of your family. You may learn new details or find that others also have worries that you can include.

Do not be afraid to talk about aging in place. Most seniors prefer living at home, as opposed to a nursing home or facility. Be open to a variety of options. Your loved one may have fears regarding the future, so make use of the Loving Meditations app to maintain calm and comfort.

Determine the Best Living Option

According to Medicare, there are several options for long-term care. Some of the options available include home and community services, subsidized housing, or respite care. For those who have low income, there may be state programs to help.

You may want to consider hiring caregivers, as well as professionals who can help to maintain the house. Maintenance can include landscape services, repairs, and gutter cleaning. When it comes to gutter cleaning, it is essential to keep them clear of debris. For safety reasons, you should only hire professionals with the tools to complete the cleanings safely, so start your search using a keyword like “roof and gutter cleaning near me” on trusted platforms. A professional can also alert you if you need to replace the gutters. Keep in mind an average gutter cleaning ranges from $106 to $167. For large projects, it may cost up to $350.

If your senior requires at-home care or assistance, you may need to move closer. Planning the move and discussing the future with your loved one can make the process easier.