Does My Senior Parent Need a Caregiver?

1
Does My Senior Parent Need a Caregiver?

• Home Care Assistance Dallas, TX

2

• At some point, many children wonder whether an
  independent senior parent would benefit from the
  presence of a skilled caregiver in the home.
  Answering this question depends in large measure
  upon the unique situation of the senior. While
  some elderly people cope very well living
  independently into an advanced age, others
  definitely benefit from the assistance of other
  people.

3
A Complex Issue

• Families circumstances differ markedly,
  sometimes, so one issue might figure prominently
  in the case of one particular senior, yet not
  really matter very much in the life of another. A
  few of the most significant factors to consider
  as you seek to determine whether an individual
  senior would benefit from the assistance of a
  caregiver include these items

4

• Does the senior suffer from any health issues
• If the senior takes medication, what is the
  compliance rate?
• Has the senior experienced any confused
  wandering issues?
• How often can friends and family members check
  on the senior's wellbeing during a typical
  day?
• Does the senior reside in an isolated location,
  or close to health and emergency services?
• Is transportation an issue for the senior?
• Does the senior live alone, or with other
  people?
• Has the senior recently sustained accidents at
  home?

5
Practical Steps

• In some states, state agencies serving elderly
  clients provide a structure for having
  independent observers evaluate the living
  situation and health condition of a senior on a
  voluntary basis. This step may prove very useful
  in connecting an elderly person more effectively
  with a supportive network of helpful social and
  medical services.
• For example, the evaluator may recommend that
  the senior obtain part-time housekeeping or meal
  assistance. An evaluation may also offer
  constructive steps for obtaining reliable
  transportation, or for modifying the home
  environment to reduce the threat of accidents.

6
Promoting Senior Well Being

• Family members often provide useful information
  to people assessing the condition of senior
  independence. By cooperating closely with social
  service agencies, children may assist elderly
  parents in maintaining their autonomy safely for
  longer periods of time.
• As a general rule of thumb, enabling a senior to
  reside for a longer period of time independently
  tends to conserve resources. Unless medical
  circumstances mandate a different living
  arrangement, many social service agencies prefer
  to help family members find ways to encourage
  senior autonomy.

7
Caregiver Issues

• Children who experience concern that an elderly
  parent might benefit from a part or full-time
  caregiver should consider addressing their views
  candidly with the senior. By obtaining an elderly
  person's consent to have living conditions
  evaluated professionally to assess risks,
  children potentially benefit an aging parent and
  obtain greater peace of mind.

8
Thank You!

• Address Preston Center 6029 Berkshire Lane
• Dallas, TX 75225
• Phone [phone]
• Website www.dallashomecareassistance.com