Senior Care in Broadripple, IN

Emily Vargas, a wife and mother of three sons, had a successful printing business and a very busy life. Her mother Nina lived across town in a gated community and the two would have lunch three or four times per week, get together for every holiday and spend time doing things as a family. Emily didn’t go to her mother’s house very often, as she was so busy but there didn’t appear to be a reason to worry. Nina wasn’t concerned about her mother, who had always been an independent person. That was all about to change.

One day, Emily went to visit Nina’s home and noticed the grass wasn’t cut. This wasn’t a red flag, but it was a little strange, as Nina always took pride in her yard and flowers. Upon entering the house, Emily noticed a strange odor. Upon entering the kitchen, she noticed piles of unwashed dishes and some food that was well beyond the expiration date. The floors were messy and everything was covered in a layer of dust. Not expecting Emily, Nina was in her nightclothes, even though it was 3 P.M. Fearing her mother was sick, Emily rushed to her side.

Nina didn’t have Alzheimer’s disease or any other illness to speak of. She simply had trouble completing the daily activities that required a lot of energy. Over time, housework added up, the mower was too hard to start and her sense of smell changed, as is common with age, and she didn’t notice the odor in the kitchen. Overnight, Emily became a family caregiver. Nina didn’t need assisted living or a nursing home, she simply needed a little extra two or three days per week. Emily and Nina’s story isn’t unique. In fact, many elderly adults need help with activities of daily living but keep it to themselves. This may be causes by:

• Embarrassment
• Pride
• Fear
• Not wanting to be a burden

Signs Help is Needed at Home:

• Poor or changing grooming habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of interest in doing things
• Messy or cluttered household that’s out of character for your parent
• Forgetting doctor’s appointments or medications
• Stacks of mail or newspapers that are not opened
• Unpleasant smells in the home
• Excessive laundry piling up
• Late payment on bills

For Nina, she later told Emily that she didn’t want to admit that she needed help. Admitting it meant that she was truly getting older and had to accept that fact. Nina viewed any assistance as a loss of her own independence. She feared that others would make the decisions for her, even about things as simple as where her flowers were planted.

By acknowledging and easing her mother’s fears, Emily successfully found assistance for her mother and made time in her busy schedule to help her mother do more of the things she loved. Getting help when it’s needed can seem intimidating, but ultimately it improves senior quality of life.

Source

http://dailycaring.com/signs-your-parents-need-help/

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Broadripple, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.