Aging in place comes with many battles and challenges that a senior may not think about when they first choose to stay home. Your loved one may be working through things and they may be too embarrassed to ask their adult children for help because they want to have their dignity and remain independent for as long as possible. Having dignity is so important as seniors age in place and it is your responsibility to help ensure they never lose that. But when it comes to the adult child it can seem like a losing battle. You want to care for your mom or dad but they may not love the fact that the roles have reversed. The right thing to do is to consider hiring 24-hour home care services to help them.
How can you help your senior mom or dad age in place with dignity? Here are some ideas.
Hire 24-Hour Home Care
One of the first things to consider is hiring outside help. You may not be with your senior loved one and they may need round-the-clock care that you cannot provide. Because you are not there and they may not want to ask you for help they may have accidents or incidents that can hurt them. Often, 24-hour home care aides can be more comfortable than asking adult children for help and it is one of the best ways to preserve dignity and independence. This is their job and they will have a professional yet friendly relationship with your senior mom or dad. 24-hour home care also allows you to rest and focus on building a better relationship as an adult child. You can still offer care and support but you can put your relationship first. This can be a huge benefit and relief for many families.
Always See Them As People
No matter who you are, whether you are an adult child or caregiver, you will always need to view a person as a person. When you start viewing a person as just a job or just because they are no longer running their household like they used to does not mean they are less valued and does not mean you can treat them as anything other than a person. This perspective will help you give them dignity every single day. They will feel understood and respected which is so important for family members and it is so important for caregivers to do. It will also help you build a stronger foundation.
Ask If They Need Help
You may think your senior loved one should not be doing something but the truth is they may want to do it alone. 24-hour home care will encourage as much independence as possible and even when something takes longer a senior should be doing what they can on their own. Never assume your mom or dad needs help but when you notice they may be struggling always ask them first and offer when necessary. This gives them the choice and they may be able to give you more information on exactly what they need to be done. When you are asking it gives them control over things and will help them feel dignified.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in St Marys PA please get in touch with the caring staff at Quality Health Services.
Call today! Northern Counties: (814) 251-9044
Blair, Cambria, & Centre Counties: (582) 220-2127
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior care provider in Dubois, Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, Blair County, Cambria County, and Centre County, PA areas.
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