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Things About Aging That Families Should Talk About

Your mom is getting older, but she lives alone and does all she can to keep up with chores. Is it time to offer her more support with senior home care providers than she’s getting? You need to gather the family and discuss these talking points.

Does Your Mom Have Health Issues?

Does your mom have any health issues? If she does, what is the care plan recommended by her doctor? She might need to take medications, get more exercise, or eat a specific diet. If she does have health issues, she needs to do as her doctor recommends to prevent the condition from worsening or getting worse faster than it has to.

Is Her Home Set Up for Aging in Place?

If your mom plans to stay in her own home, her home needs to be set up for aging in place. Is it? Her bathroom safety needs to be focused on by adding grab bars, non-slip bath mats, and a hand-held shower wand if she never needs a shower seat.

Brighter lighting fixtures on stairs, in hallways, and on outdoor decks and stairs are important. Adding voice-activated light bulbs that she can tell to turn on and off in the middle of the night when she has to go to the bathroom are other safety features to consider.

Make sure your mom has flooring that isn’t loose or ripped. If her carpet is torn and curls up on the edges, she might trip and fall. Loose boards can trip her up.

Does She Eat Enough?

Does your mom eat enough? Is she more likely to heat a can of soup or heat a packet of ramen than she is to make a home-cooked meal? They’re not the healthiest food options. Your mom should be eating a balanced meal with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Even if your mom is overweight or at her proper weight, malnutrition is possible at any weight. It occurs when the diet you eat isn’t providing the nutrients you need. If she can’t or doesn’t want to cook for herself, it’s worth looking at having senior home care aides to plan and prepare meals for your mom.

Senior Home Care Waldo FL – Things About Aging That Families Should Talk About

Who Is Available to Help Her? Is It Time for Senior Home Care Services?

Throughout the week, there are certain tasks your mom cannot do on her own. Who is available to help her? Is she alone all week and struggling to keep up with personal care and household chores? How often do you, your brothers, your sisters, and other family members stop by to help out?

If your mom needs help and no one is around, is she likely to try to complete it anyway? Even if she injures herself trying? That’s not a good idea. People need to make sure they’re available to help her or that home care is arranged so that she’s not alone.

Arrange senior home care as soon as you know your mom will need help. Caregivers can assist her with housekeeping, laundry, meals, and more. Talk to our senior home care specialist to get answers to any questions that come up during your family discussions.