Aging can be a daunting prospect both for elders and for their children, especially when medical conditions or signs of dementia appear. The first course of action should be to talk—encourage your parent or loved one to open up about what it is they really want. At first, they may be reluctant to consider any form of assistance, so take the process step-by-step. An elder may also express feelings that they have become a burden; it's important not to dismiss these feelings, as older adults have spent their lives not only independent, but supporting others. When you begin this conversation, consider all of your options, including homecare. It can be a way to maintain a high quality of life even where injuries or chronic medical conditions are a factor. Caregiver agencies can provide various types and levels of service depending on the complexity and intensiveness of a senior's needs.
- Activities of Daily Living
At the start of this journey, a parent may only need some assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as meal preparation or laundry. One of the better ways to delay the symptoms of dementia is to remain mentally stimulated and social, meaning companionship can be a crucial early treatment. Not every agency provides the same level of help with ADLs, and it helps to find one that keeps transportation in mind. Making it to appointments, shopping, and other pleasure trips outdoors and in the community are huge benefits to an elder's quality of life.
- Nursing
Comprehensive agencies may also employ Registered Practical Nurses who can perform wound care, physiotherapy, and IV injections. Nurses can play a huge role in the transition from in-hospital care back to the home, especially in Ontario where the demand for hospital beds is outstripping supply.
- Specialized Care for Chronic Medical Conditions
Often, people assume companionship is where homecare ends, but registered and trained personal support workers can help those living with serious conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In cases where families are concerned about a parent's welfare in those hours when a PSW is not around, there are several further solutions. Some agencies, like Mavencare, have developed app-integrated home monitoring systems that can keep families connected, even when they live long distance.
- Live-In and 24-Hour Assistance
As dementia progresses, seniors may need more intensive assistance. There is a difference between live-in and full-time care, however, which can be matched to the patient's living space. Live-in assistance involves a PSW residing with a senior, meaning they are available at all times in case of emergency. The agency Mavencare also offers 24-hour care, in which visits or shifts are 8 to 12 hours long to provide rotating, round-the-clock assistance. This way, a senior's residence does not need to be able to provide living space for the caregiver.
- Respite
Many who don't work are already primary caregivers for their parents. In this case, respite care can be a necessary relief from the nonstop demands of looking after an older parent. The emotional and psychological burden can mount without rest, and feelings of resentment or exhaustion may reach an untenable point. Respite is not just for you, either, as part-time relief may ease an elder's sense of "being a burden." For more tips on how to manage homecare and the emotional stress of an aging parent, visit Mavencare.com. It's essential that you a break sometimes, but when you do, you will want thoroughly screened, trustworthy PSWs to take over. Get a free assessment now and come up with a plan that works for everyone.
