In-Home Care — Getting Your Parents on Board

Author

Elderlink Home Care, Inc.

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Elderlink Home Care

Posted on

May 08, 2013

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

If you are reading this article, you probably have already come to the realization that your parents are in need of home care. Most likely, your parents want to remain in their own home and retain as much independence as possible. Helping your parents overcome their perception that accepting in-home care means a loss of that independence is a huge key to getting them on board. The best way to do this is to help your parents understand the advantages of home care and how it can allow them to stay in their home. Often, your parents will be more open to exploring the possibility of in-home care when faced with the alternative of going into an assisted living or skilled care facility. In-home care allows your parents to receive one-on-one care in the comfort of their own home and will often save money at the same time. With help at home, your parents can remain in control and set their own standards.

If you are met with resistance, try a different approach. Suggest that accepting in-home care would help you and give you peace of mind. Parents are often willing to do something to benefit their children which they would not be willing to do for themselves. Home care might be better accepted if it is viewed as a luxury or benefit something they deserve rather than something being forced upon them because they can no longer care for themselves: Mom, you deserve to have someone come in and prepare some good meals for you, is more likely to be met with a positive response than You cant take care of yourself anymore. If your aging parent is concerned about a stranger providing intimate care, a good idea is to start with non-personal care such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. Your mother or father will get used to the idea of having a caregiver and will be more responsive when the time comes for assistance with personal care. Although having this conversation with your parents may seem like one of the hardest things you've ever had to do, don't let your parents sense that. Plan your approach and timing carefully and you may be pleasantly surprised. Chances are if the subject is on your mind, it has been on your parents minds as well.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karen Moorehead. Karen is the owner of Elderlink Home Care, Inc. and may be reached at 303-734-0641 or by email at info@elderlinkhomecare.com

Other Articles You May Like

The Gift of Organization: Simplifying the Holidays for Seniors and Their Families

The holiday season can be both a joyful and overwhelming time, especially for seniors. As loved ones come together to celebrate, the pressure to maintain a tidy and organized home can add stress to what should be a time of joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that a clutter-free environment can foster peace and emotional well-being during the holidays. In this blog, well explore how organization can be a thoughtful gift, not just for seniors, but for their families too. Understanding the Emotional Toll of ClutterFor many seniors, the accumulation of belongings can lead to feelings of despair and overwhelm. As we age, it becomes harder to manage clutter, both physically and emotionally. It can be a source of anxiety, especially when the holidays come around, inviting family gatherings and festive celebrations. Tip: Look Beyond the StuffUnderstanding the emotional connection people have with their belongings is essential. Each item may carry memories or sentimental value, making the decluttering process challenging. Approach the conversation with love and empathy, reminding them that a simplified space can lead to greater peace of mind. Decluttering with PurposeOne of the best gifts you can give a senior this holiday season is a tidied and organized home. Not only will this create a welcoming environment for family visits, but it can also lighten the emotional load that clutter brings. Heres a step-by-step guide to facilitate the decluttering process:Step 1: Set the MoodCreating a pleasant atmosphere can make the decluttering process more enjoyable. Play soft music and have refreshments on hand to create a comfortable and relaxed setting. Encourage the person youre helping to share stories about their belongings, making the process feel less like a chore.Step 2: Start SmallTackling an entire home at once can be overwhelming. Begin with small areas, like a closet or a single room, to make progress feel achievable. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes, allowing for focused work without fatigue. Celebrate small wins together to cultivate a sense of achievement.Step 3: Sorting with LoveAs items are removed from their designated spaces, sort them into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Toss. Encourage seniors to keep items that spark joy while helping them understand that saying goodbye to certain belongings doesnt mean losing their memories. Keep: items they love and use regularly.Donate: usable items that could benefit others.Sell: items of value that may also be a source of income.Toss: broken or unusable items that no one will benefit from.Step 4: Create Functional SpacesOnce decluttering is complete, the next step is organizing the remaining items in a way that makes them easily accessible and functional. Use clear bins, labels, and designated spots for everything to maintain order. For example, frequently used items should be within reach, while seasonal items can reside in less accessible areas. Embracing the Spirit of GivingThe holidays are fundamentally about connection and support. By helping a senior declutter, you not only enhance their living environment but also reinforce familial bonds. Its about creating space for memories, laughter, and love during gatherings.Tip: Coordinate with Family MembersEncourage family members to pitch in and share the workload. This shared experience can facilitate deeper connections, ease the emotional strain, and promote teamwork. The act of organizing together reinforces unity, transforms the task into a celebration, and allows everyone to reminisce about the memories tied to certain items.The gift of organization can transform not only a home but the holiday experience itself. A peaceful, organized space fosters emotional well-being and allows seniors and their families to focus on what truly matters: togetherness and joy. Remember, the journey of decluttering is not just about discarding items; its about making room for love, laughter, and cherished memories. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we are here to support you in simplifying the holiday season for seniors and their families. Together, lets create a joyful and stress-free home for the holidays.

The Spirit of Giving: How A Call to Order Professional Organizers Brings Joy to Seniors This Christmas

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and meaningful connections, especially for seniors who cherish memories and moments spent with loved ones. Unfortunately, the very activities that should bring joylike decorating, gathering, and gift-givingcan become overwhelming when clutter and disorganization take center stage. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that a clutter-free environment can enhance the holiday spirit and create a serene atmosphere for seniors. This article explores how we can make a difference by helping seniors enjoy a seamless and joyful Christmas experience.The Importance of Decluttering for SeniorsAs the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to holiday traditions with friends and family. However, for seniors, it can be challenging to navigate an environment crowded with memories, decorations, and daily items they may no longer need. Decluttering is essential, not just for creating space but for fostering a peaceful and joyful holiday atmosphere. When we help seniors declutter, we guide them through the emotional weight attached to their belongings. Each item tells a story, from cherished holiday decorations passed down through generations to gifts that were once adored but are now forgotten. Our empathetic approach focuses on helping them make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Tips for a Meaningful Decluttering ExperienceStart Small: Begin with one room or area at a time. Focus on the most cluttered areas that require immediate attention, such as living rooms or kitchens. This methodical approach prevents feelings of being overwhelmed during the decluttering journey.Create Keepsake Containers: Encourage seniors to set aside a few cherished items in special containers. This way, they can keep meaningful items without cluttering their spaces. Make sure to label each container for easy identification.Involve Family Members: Invite family members to participate in the decluttering process. This not only reduces the emotional burden but also fosters connection. Sharing stories behind treasured items can be a heartwarming experience.Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive: As you sort through decorations, encourage seniors to curate a selection of their favorite holiday pieces. Incorporate these items into their holiday traditions to evoke nostalgia and joy without overwhelming their space.By employing these strategies, we provide seniors with the clarity and comfort they need to enjoy a peaceful holiday season.Creating a Joyful Holiday EnvironmentOnce decluttering is underway, its time to focus on decorating and creating a joyful environment. The key is to keep things simple yet festive. At A Call to Order, we specialize in transforming spaces, making them inviting for family gatherings and celebrations.Decorating Tips for a Senior-Friendly HolidayChoose a Theme: Help seniors choose a simple theme that resonates with themwhether it's traditional, modern, or whimsical. A cohesive theme can make decorating less overwhelming and more enjoyable.Opt for Lightweight Decorations: Select decorations that are easy to handle and arrange. Avoid heavy ornaments and decor that can pose hazards. Energizing the space with strings of light or simple garlands can be an effective way to enhance the festive atmosphere without overwhelming them.Incorporate Personal Touches: Encourage seniors to include personal items in their decorations. Family photos, handmade ornaments, or crafts from grandchildren can create a warm and inviting space that sparks joy and connection.Maintain Accessibility: Ensure that decorations are arranged at a height that is easy to see and reach. Seniors should feel included in the decorating process, so setup should enable their participation.Plan Gatherings: As the holidays approach, consider scheduling low-key gatherings. A cozy hot cocoa night or a holiday movie marathon with close family can create cherished memories while allowing seniors to enjoy the holiday spirit in a relaxed environment.At A Call to Order, we aim to connect with our clients deeply and meaningfully, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond the holiday season. Helping seniors prepare their homes for Christmas gives them the gift of joy, connection, and solace. Wrapping Up This Christmas, let's remember that the spirit of giving can be manifested through meaningful experiences rather than material possessions. As professional organizers, our mission at A Call to Order is to make the holidays brighter and more memorable for seniors by creating spaces that radiate joy, peace, and love. Connecting emotionally with our clients leads to not only a decluttered home but also a heartwarming holiday season filled with shared moments and cherished memories. This is what we celebrate while bringing joy to seniorsbecause every moment spent in a clutter-free space is a moment of peace during the festive whirlwind of the holidays. 

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors with Mobility Issues

In-home care helps seniors stay in their homes safely, offering support with daily tasks and reducing fall risks, enhancing their quality of life.In-home care helps seniors in an array of areas to age in place safely.If your senior mom or dad wants to live in their own home but their mobility issues are challenging, in-home care providers can help. Your mom or dad may be able to stay in their home as long as they want with support from in-home care services. In-home care providers help seniors with many of the day-to-day tasks necessary to keep a home clean and comfortable.In-home care can also help keep your mom or dad safe. A care provider will do things like make sure that clutter is picked up and floors are free of hazards so that your mom or dad has a lower risk of falling and getting hurt.Here are some of the many benefits of in-home care for seniors: Medication RemindersMost seniors who have mobility challenges take at least five different medications and keeping them all straight can be difficult. If your mom or dad has in-home care, their care provider will remind them when its time to take their medications. They can also help your mom or dad keep track of the medications they need and the dose of each they are supposed to have.With in-home care services, theres a lower risk that your mom or dad will miss a dose of an important medication or take the wrong dose of a particular medication. Help with Household Cleaning and MaintenanceSeniors who have mobility challenges often have a difficult time keeping up with household chores. In-home care providers help seniors with light housekeeping tasks that keep the home clean and comfortable.Care providers can do chores like sweeping, mopping, dusting, laundry, changing linens, taking out the trash, and doing the dishes. Having someone else do the chores can be a big help for your mom or dad. Assistance with ErrandsWhether its going to the grocery store, picking up prescriptions, or visiting the post office, these routine tasks are challenging or sometimes painful for seniors who have a hard time getting around.If your mom or dad has in-home care a care provider can run to the bank, the post office, the pharmacy, or the grocery store for your mom or dad so that they can stay home comfortably but still get the things they need. Transportation to Medical AppointmentsRegular visits to healthcare providers are essential for seniors, especially those managing chronic health conditions. However, seniors with mobility challenges may find getting to their medical appointments very exhausting and overwhelming because of their limited mobility.In-home caregivers can provide safe, reliable transportation to and from medical appointments, ensuring that seniors never miss a check-up or treatment session. Peace of Mind for FamiliesIn-home care services benefit seniors and provide peace of mind for their families. Knowing that a qualified caregiver is assisting with daily taskssuch as medication reminders, household cleaning, errands, and transportation, which reassures family members that their loved ones are well cared for.It can be difficult for families who live far away or have other responsibilities to consistently provide the level of care seniors need. In-home care bridges this gap by providing consistent, compassionate support for seniors.   If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Commerce City, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.  

Local Services By This Author

Elderlink Home Care, Inc.

Non-Medical 9878 West Belleview Avenue, Littleton, Colorado, 80123

Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has been providing metro-area seniors with access to superior home care services for over 35 years. As a family business, we have spent decades perfecting the art of home care and learning everything we need to know to provide you with the best service possible at the best price available. Our services will allow you to age with dignity and control in the comfort of your own home.