Have you talked to your mom about her plans as she ages? Does she want to stay in her current home? If so, it’s not unusual. One study found that 88% of older adults stated they want to age at home. You want to respect your mom’s wishes, but how do you make sure she can? It’s important that you have this discussion before an emergency occurs. If you wait, you could end up with your mom being forced into a situation that makes her unhappy. Here are are few things to consider and how elder care can play a vital role in your senior aging in place safely.
Ask Her About Her Goals for Aging
What are your mom’s goals while she ages? Has she talked about downsizing or moving to a different neighborhood to be closer to her friends, local businesses, or medical offices? That should be a priority.
Does your mom want to be nearer to her kids and grandkids? If it came to it, would she be willing to move in with you? She may hate that idea, but it’s worth addressing.
What’s Her Family Health History?
Is there a history of chronic health conditions in your mom’s family? Heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, are just some of the chronic conditions that run in families. If there is a family history, it’s important that your mom goes for routine screenings.
If she has a chronic health condition, she needs to be honest with others and herself about how much it impacts her daily routine. If she has diabetes, does she struggle to remember to check her sugar levels, carefully read labels in the grocery store, and cook appropriate meals? Would it help her to have elder care helping out?
What Medications Does Her Doctor Want Her to Take?
With many chronic health conditions, your mom may have to take medications. The side effects can impact her daily activities by causing dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. Would she be more comfortable having someone in her home while she showers, gets dressed, and goes on walks?
Is She Supposed to Drive?
Has your mom’s eye doctor told her her vision is worsening? Is she on prescription medications that cause drowsiness? Is she supposed to drive?
If not, she doesn’t have to stop going out or running errands, she just needs a driver. Elder care aides can drive her around. What she doesn’t want to do is drive anyway and risk a crash that injures herself and others.
How do you schedule elder care visits? Jot down a list of questions that you and your mom have. Use that list to ensure you know everything you need to know. Talk to an elder care advisor, go over your questions, get prices, and complete the call by scheduling caregiver visits.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
