Before deciding on appropriate home care for a loved one there are a number of things to consider including type of care, the amount of assistance and supervision required, making your home older-adult-friendly, and will your family be able to adjust to the change?
Kind of care needed
What is the person’s physical and mental condition and what chronic illness does he or she have? These are the first questions you need to answer. It may be an ideal time to make the move if the person is relatively healthy and able-bodied.
Level of assistance and supervision
You must be realistic about what you can and can’t do while also taking into account that the person’s needs may increase over time. Your loved one may need help dressing, bathing, using the bathroom and other day-to-day tasks. This can be difficult if you’re working full-time or already looking after a young family.
Is your home older-adult-friendly?
Is there a bathroom available on the floor the older adult is on? Is it big enough to handle a wheelchair or walker if necessary? Will everyone have a level of privacy they’re comfortable with? What renovations will be necessary to make your home older-adult-friendly, and how will you pay for it?
Adjusting to the lifestyle changes involved
There are a number of changes involved in offering home care for a loved one such as noise levels, meals, etc. Your loved one will need to feel comfortable in their new surroundings so therefore a collective family effort is required.
Will your elderly relative have a social network?
Uprooting your loved one may mean moving them away from friends and an established day-to-day routine. This is difficult at any age but particularly so in later years. An empty house during the day may also lead to added alone time for your elderly relative. Identifying Active Retirement groups and daily activities will be vital in helping with the big move.
