Senior Care Needs Change Over Time - Are You Prepared?

In the early-1700’s, Daniel Defoe wrote a book in which he said the only certainties are death and taxes. Your parents may be in great health right now. They may be physically active each day. That’s great, but it’s also important not to get complacent.

Senior care needs may not appear for years. Something could happen tomorrow that has you and your family talking about caregivers. Make sure you’re not caught off-guard. Gather the family and talk about senior care needs now, in the future, or in certain medical situations.

What Care Could Your Parents Need Now?

Right now, it might not appear that any care is needed. Make sure you closely look at all of the activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. You might be overlooking things.

If your parents take any vitamins or mineral to prevent osteoporosis, are they remembering to take them each day? They might take antidepressants, pain relievers, or allergy medications. Do they take them properly? Do they even know if there are contraindications when it comes to alcoholic beverages? These are things you should talk about.

What Needs Could Appear in the Future?

Most senior care needs that change over time, change because of a chronic condition. Your mom goes for a check-up and learns her blood pressure is still increasing, so she’s going to have to start taking medications. Your dad’s eye doctor found his glaucoma has worsened. It’s recommended that he stop driving when it’s dark outside.

Both of these are examples of when families find it becomes necessary to bring in caregivers for a few hours a week. Your dad can have a caregiver drive him to stores, appointments, entertainment venues, or friends’ houses. Your mom can have a caregiver to remind her to take daily blood pressure readings at home or to take her medications.

Emergency Medical Situations Can Make Senior Care Necessary

Your mom found your dad on the bathroom floor. He’d had a stroke while getting into the shower. Doctors say he’ll survive, but he’s going to have limited use of his left side. He may need a wheelchair for the upcoming weeks and months.

While he’s undergoing therapy sessions to learn how to speak and to regain as much mobility as possible, he needs someone to help him with showers, dressing, toileting, meals, and ambulation. Your mom doesn’t have the strength. Caregivers are needed because you can’t quit your job.

Those are all situations that can and have happened to families. Don’t let your family be unprepared. Talk about senior care services as soon as you can. This gives you time to figure out the budget, talk to agencies, and come up with the best care plan possible. Call now to get started.