In many families, it’s almost an expectation that a senior will move into their home at the first sign of health or mobility issues, because they’d rather be nearby in the case of an emergency. However, not all seniors are prepared to give up their independence to live with a family member. Some would rather stay in their own homes with home help or choose another living alternative. Only you can determine if you’re ready to move in with family and if it’s a situation you’re comfortable with. But here are some general guidelines to think about and specific questions you should ask your loved ones before packing your bags:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

If you’re looking to hire a professional caregiver to help provide care for an elderly loved one, you need an agency that’s going to provide you with more than just the basics; you need a caregiver who will ensure that your loved one is safe and protected at all times. When interviewing prospective caregivers or talking to agencies, make sure that they have procedures in place to address the following areas:

1. Be aware of changes – seniors who are experiencing health changes, financial difficulty or other problems might begin to act differently. Often seniors who are experiencing problems might not be open about them due to embarrassment, but caregivers can speak with other family members if they notice anything unusual while spending time with their senior clients

2. Help address financial need – while it’s not a caregiver’s responsibility to pry into a senior’s finances, they can identify problems. If stacks of mail are piling up or collections calls are being received in the senior’s home, it’s possible bills aren’t getting paid. Again, a caregiver can approach this issue gently with the senior’s family, and suggest that a Power of Attorney be used if the issue appears to be that bad

3. Dispose of sensitive information – assist seniors by suggesting that they shred bills or other information that could compromise their safety

4. Know who is making healthcare decisions – caregivers should ensure that they have the contact information on hand for the family member or other individual for making these important decisions in case of a medical emergency

5. Suggest an advanced directive or living will – to help seniors secure their future wishes, suggest an advanced directive or living will so that their medical needs are fulfilled according to what they want

6. Determine how expenses will be paid – if the caregiver will be responsible for household purchases on behalf of the senior, it should be determined how this will be managed. Signed checks can be provided, seniors can open an expense account that the caregiver has access to, or if all expenses will be paid in cash provided

7. Be wary of strangers – caregivers should be wary of new friends that come into senior’s lives, especially if they are from a different generation. Seniors can become victims of scams because they are anxious to curb their loneliness with new social opportunities. With this in mind, caregivers should also work with seniors to investigate any charitable organizations or other causes seniors are thinking or donating to before a transaction is made

8. Provide a safe environment – in all circumstances, senior caregivers from a franchise should be responsible for identifying potential hazards in the household and ensuring that they are addressed to put their senior care recipient’s safety first.

Via: Keeping Seniors Safe

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Tips to help mom stay at home and live independently: 

1. Let her tell you what she needs

2. Let her know that you are there for her whenever you need her

3. Help her manage bill payments

4. Find help to run errands for her 

Since most adult children have other responsibilities as well, consider hiring a CAREGiver that can check up on mom when you are not there. Home care is one of the best services available to aging seniors that help them remain at home safely.

I am comfortable now knowing that she will come to me again if she needs me to do more, because that door of communication has finally been opened. Now, asking for help is not something my mother fears.

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Learn more about Home Instead Senior Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Goodyear & Avondale, Az. - View our video of Debbie Seplow, Owner of Greater Phoenix Home Instead Senior Care.

Family Matters- Long distance caregiving

Balancing our day to day responsibilities can be very difficult under any circumstance, but when your parent is in need of a full time caregiver, and you live far away, it can make one feel helpless and even guilty for not being able to be there. First of all, you are not alone. 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers, caring for elderly parents who live an hour or more away.

What can you do from a distance? Here are some ideas:

1. Seek out help from people in the community: neighbors, friends, doctors. Call them about the situation. Leave information on how to get in touch with you.

2. Try to find a directory of senior resources and services by checking with a library or senior center for lists of resources.

3. Pull together a list of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Get doses and schedules. This information is essential in a medical emergency. Update it regularly.

4. When you visit, go through the house looking for possible hazards and safety concerns. Stay for a weekend or week and help make needed improvements.

5. Find out if your parent has an advance directive stating his or her health care treatment preferences. If not, talk about setting one up. If so, make sure you have a copy and you know where a copy is kept. The doctor should also have a copy for the medical record.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Even if you can’t be there on a daily basis, knowing you are there for your loved one will make them feel better.