Hard Conversations: Talking to your Loved One about Senior Care

For many people, one of the most challenging things about getting older is losing their independence. Seniors are hesitant to ask for or admit they need help because they want to remain in their own home rather than going to assisted living or a nursing home. Fortunately for seniors in the Asheville-Hendersonville area, they can stay in their home and get the help they need through senior care services. In-home care can provide them with a wide range of assistance as well as offer companionship.

Bringing up the idea of in-home care can be a sensitive subject. It’s important to set the right tone and not make your aging parent feel like they are being forced into anything or losing control. Here are some tips for making the conversation a little easier:

Focus on you: Rather than making the conversation all about why your parent needs help, emphasize how it would make you feel better. By having someone checking in on and assisting them, you can have more peace of mind about their safety and wellbeing. They’ll have someone to help with daily tasks, provide transportation, and give reminders. Elderly parents don’t want their children worrying about them, so they may be more apt to accept help.

Keep things positive: As you casually bring up the topic, focus on the positives of how it can improve their quality of life. Someone can help them prepare meals and grocery shop, get to events they want to attend, spend time talking about their favorite things, and help them stay organized. An in-home caregiver can ensure they’re taking their medication and that their home doesn’t have any safety concerns.

Address their fears: It can take some time to get used to having a stranger in their home helping them with things they’re used to doing on their own. Empathize with their emotions and reassure them that the caregiver has their best interests in mind. If you can, go over the first few times to help them feel more comfortable and get more adjusted. Keep communication open and check in to see how things are going.

Do a trial run: Ask your aging parent if they will give in-home care a try for a few weeks. Perhaps you can start off with a day or two a week and see how things go. If more help is necessary and your senior warms up to the idea, then you can make adjustments to services to increase the frequency. Let your loved one know that they can still be independent and just accept help with certain tasks or aspects of their day. It is very flexible and customizable to their individual needs.

As you re-evaluate your loved ones safety and abilities, consider how senior services can help. If you know of others who get assistance, they may be able to speak to the benefits as well. If you’re looking for high quality, in-home care in the Asheville-Hendersonville area, contact Always Best Care today to learn more. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online and rest assured that your loved one is in good hands.

Celebrating the 4th of July with your Senior

Summer brings with it several different holidays and the chance to enjoy the festivities with your aging parent. The 4^th of July is a wonderful time to get together and have a picnic, watch fireworks, and celebrate with friends and family. But as you plan for these events, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when bringing your senior along to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time.

• Make sure they stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can be dangerous, so bring plenty of water and make sure they are drinking it throughout the day. Spruce up beverages a bit with fresh fruit to add a hint of flavor.
• Pack sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply to protect your senior’s skin from painful sunburn. Try to find a place to sit that is shaded and offers relief from the sun’s rays. If you can’t find a shaded area, have large umbrella handy to provide some shelter.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that provides protection from the sun but also allows air to get through and can breathe. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also beneficial.
• If going to a party or picnic, make sure your senior is able to navigate the terrain and there aren’t too many obstacles such as stairs or uneven ground that could impact their balance. Bring a comfortable chair that will provide adequate support and allow them to get up and down.
• Situate yourselves close to restrooms for easy access and away from noisy crowds, small children, and smoky grills. This can allow your loved one to relax more comfortably without so many distractions and interruptions. However, make sure they are still close enough to be part of the celebration and socialize.
• Consider any dietary restrictions your loved one may have and pack foods that they can enjoy. You may have to prepare some dishes ahead of time or help them to select the best choices from available options.

With a little advanced planning, your senior can participate in the fun while staying safe and receiving the assistance they need. An in-home caregiver can help them prepare for the day or accompany them to the festivities if needed. Make the most of the Fourth of the July by ensuring your activities are senior-friendly and enjoying the time you get to spend together. For more information about senior services and personalized care, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.

Tips for Traveling with Seniors

Summer can be a great time to see the sights and spend time with family. The kids are out of school and you may be planning a nice vacation to get away. Taking your aging parents along can be a wonderful experience for everyone but requires some additional planning to make sure you are adequately prepared. Make the most of your trip by keeping these tips in mind:

Get Medical Clearance

Before bringing your loved one along, talk to their doctor to make sure it is safe for them to travel, especially if going by plane or on a long car ride. The doctor can advise you about anything to be alert for and also ensure your senior has enough medication to last through the trip. Create a list of all of their medications, dosages, administration, and what they are for. Discuss any concerns you may have or limitations that may affect your loved one.

Allow for Extra Time

Remember that your aging parent may not be able to move as quickly and efficiently as you can. They may also tire more easily. Keep your schedule flexible and plan for downtime. If you have a strenuous activity planned for the morning, make the afternoon more laid back. If mobility is an issue, call ahead to see if there are wheelchairs or motorized scooters available at your destination to help your loved one get around more easily. Also make time for regular bathroom and meal breaks.

Plan Ahead

Decide what you are going to do ahead of time so you can create a schedule and stick to a routine. Let your loved one know in advance what the activities for the day are. This can help to reduce confusion or agitation because they know what to expect. Pack a bag with their medications, some snacks, extra clothing, important documents, and other necessities so that you have everything you need on hand. Also, make sure you know where the nearest medical facilities are located in case your loved one (or anyone in the family) should need medical care.

Keep your Loved One’s Needs in Mind

As you plan, keep your loved one in mind. Be realistic about their abilities and limitations and plan accordingly. Try to limit the amount of walking or stairs if mobility is an issue, or make sure that there are proper accommodations that will allow them to navigate more easily. Find out what they are interested in and schedule activities that they will enjoy as well. If they are easily confused or tend to wander, make sure you are able to keep a close eye on them to ensure their safety.

Going on a family vacation can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Taking the extra time to accommodate for your senior’s needs can make it even more enjoyable and less stressful. If your elderly parent enjoys getting out and about, an in-home caregiver can support them on community outings throughout the year and help them get more used to traveling. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville to learn more about how our personalized services can best meet your loved one’s needs as they age in place. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.