As our seniors continue to age, there comes a point where we, as concerned friends and family members, need to step in and help organize their care and well-being.
It all depends on the type of help they need, and to what extent they will allow. House cleaners, for example, could be beneficial if your senior has abandoned some housekeeping duties, but could be challenging if they would not like strangers in their house. Try to be mindful and considerate, but also ensure help is provided when needed.
In-Home Care
In-home care can be a bit daunting at first, but just make sure everything is setup before they start. Conduct extensive background checks on the organization or individual that will be in their home. Talk to your aging loved one about the care and how it will help them in the long run. Remove valuables from the house or secure in a safe, locked location.
If your senior doesn’t care for an in-home nurse and can handle living on their own for the most part, other arrangements can be made to meet in the middle. Have a trusted neighbor come by a few times to check up on them and visit for a while. Or even have them bring over some hot meals if your senior can no longer cook.
Facility Living
This is a big step and should be researched thoroughly. Every facility and every senior is different, so it's important to find the right fit for both. As you make the transition in moving from house to facility, keep in mind how your loved one is feeling and surround them with love and support. We have a helpful guide on Transitioning an Elderly Loved One with commentary by a professional.
Secure Aging wants the best care for seniors and their families. We can help make life easier by tracking monthly income and expenses, as well as fully advocating for our clients’ well-being and safety. We are here to help make your life easier and keep your loved ones safe.
Reba Rogers, CPA, is the founder of Secure Aging, a group of care managers who preserve the independence and protect the assets of seniors by helping them with financial management. She is also a Director Consultant for BNI (Business Network International), a referral marketing organization which gives her access to many trusted business professionals in the community.
