Aging Parent with Dementia live alone?
For most of us there comes a time when we are faced with making decisions about the care of an elderly or ailing parent. Lisa James has written this article with that time in mind and helps to answer the question… “What are the choices when our parents can no longer live alone?”
Senior Care for the Love of Mom and Dad
Some of us will face the possibility of having to get senior care for one or both of our parents. Mom and dad are no longer as vibrant and independent as they used to be because of aging. They have become that little old lady or man that we sometimes help cross the street.
The effects of aging has taken a toll on their health, which has deteriorated to the point of being unable to perform simple tasks or bodily functions. Your parents might have frequent episodes of misplacing things, or even becoming disoriented in familiar places, requiring the help of strangers to find their way home. They may be suffering from certain ailments that needs the attention of a qualified nurse.
Whenever you are confronted by this situation, you know that that it is time to arrange senior care for your loved ones. Unfortunately, due to life circumstances it might be very difficult for you to care for mom and dad on your own.
Some of us are at a phrase in our lives where we are terribly busy and leaving your parents alone, to fend for themselves, defeats the purpose of senior care. In other situations, even when you can care for your parents it is still might not be a good idea; because of where you live might have snow that can aggravate your parents arthritis.
Sometimes the best choice would be to opt for professional senior care where you are assured of a safe, comfortable environment with round-the clock care. Senior care for your loved ones can take several different forms depending on the level of care your mom, dad, aunt or uncle needs.
Senior Care Communities
These are well laid out communities for senior citizens, where they co-habitate and enjoy each others company. These communities have all the necessary infrastructure, amenities and qualified doctors, nurses, registered dietician and security personnel.
You can rest assured that senior care at these facilities ensures that your loved ones will get their medication on time. The meals will be specially prepared according to the doctor’s instructions. And with enough room for everyone their privacy is guaranteed. Residents at these senior care facilities are monitored 24/7.
Assisted Living
Your parents may be as sharp as a tack mentally, but they might need help with simple tasks like getting dressed, remembering to take their medication and other routine tasks. This is where a qualified nurse will be present when needed. For the most part, senior care assisted living allows your loved ones to carry on as before with professional help standing by.
Senior Care Specialized Programs
There is special care for senior citizens who suffer from Alzheimer or dementia or a form of immobility where a high level of care is required. Total senior care 24/7 is required in these cases, where the patient/resident is one-hundred percent dependent on the care-givers.
The benefit of senior care is that your loved ones are getting the professional care they need, without having to compromise their dignity.
Lisa James is a well known author who writes articles about geriatric care. For more information about important choices for your parent–visit the website SeniorCare.net
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Have you had to make this decision for your parent? Or, Does your parent still live alone?
It’s a difficult decision to move a parent from their own home. If you’ve found a good way to handle it, or want to share what worked for you– We’d love to hear. We appreciate every comment–
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As terrifying it is to watch a loved one go through this. I think that you’re doing a wonderful thing by building up a community online for this kind of thing. Having recently joined one of these communities I have to say it’s so nice to be able to talk with someone about this.
Thank you again so much,
Steph
Hello Stephanie,
You are so right. I think the more communities we visit, online and in person, the more we become familiar with what we can do and what we can’t for our loved ones with dementia.
Some things just are: nothing for us to do but accept it.
And friends from our groups can become the glue that holds us together on those days. They often understand more than anyone else. I’m so glad you’re finding those who are most helpful.
Sandy
It always puts people in a very difficult situation , those that have to be moved feel afraid and scared and miss what they have and those that have been responsible for the move (ie family ) have that guilt on them
not good for everyone really
John, You are so right. Of all the years I took care of my Mom, that was the worst day of my life. It had to be done because she eventually had a severe physical illness as well. But that made it no easier to do.
Though she didn’t know me, we were both in tears by the time it was done.
I will say, after a couple weeks, I knew it was for the best. She was happy and well cared for. My mom was in a “group home,” with only 9 other ladies. She lived nearby so I could visit daily.
But the decision to move them to a nursing home or group home is heart-wrenching, I agree.
~Sandy
Many years ago I used to be a live-in carer in the UK , It was hard work for the carer but made the patient feel more comfortable as they where in their own home and had some semblance of their normal life.
Having a carer in you house though takes a long time to adjust to .
Thanks for all the information on this site – John
You are so right about that, John. Most folks miss their family home more than anything if they are moved around.
I searched for someone to live with my mom but was unable to find anyone. I know she would have been much happier if she could have stayed in her own home.
Sandy
I was actually there back in 1984 when the park was dedicated to Marilyn. As a matter of fact, Marilyn had her whole family there and it was a great day for us all. I am Marilyn’s youngest daughter!