With the elderly population growing and life expectancy increasing, many adults face the responsibility of providing care for an elderly parent. Many have questions and uncertainty about how to proceed in finding adequate care. In addition, most family caregivers have work obligations and other time constraints that can make it seem impossible to provide adequate care for an aging parent. There are many options and resources available that provide care for the elderly population and offer relief and peace of mind to caregivers.
Step 1
Remove all throw rugs from the residence to help prevent the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, in 2006 approximately one-third of adults age 65 and older living in the United States reported falls. You can help prevent falls by keeping the floors free of debris, keeping walkways open, and making sure that all handrails on stairs are properly secured.
Step 2
Install non-slip strips to the floor of your parent's bathtub to help prevent bath-related injuries. Also, install grip bars, also called grab bars, to the shower walls and toilet area. When installed properly, these give your parent a stable fixture to help support his weight if he loses his balance.
Step 3
Utilize alternate sources of care. If your parent requires 24-hour care, you can find caregivers through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Eldercare Locator website (see Resources). If you hire a caretaker privately, ask the care provider for references, and obtain written consent for a background check, so that you can be sure the provider is qualified to care for your parent. You can obtain a background check through a company such as Integra Scan or Sentry Link (see Resources).
Step 4
Install ramps and other and accessibility equipment if your parent has difficulty climbing stairs. Make sure that all ramps have secure handrails.
Step 5
Precook meals that can easily be reheated in the microwave while you are away from home. Mark the date on the lid of each container with a grease pen so that you and your parent know when to discard unused food.
Step 6
Provide a phone with large, clearly marked buttons and pre-programmed emergency numbers in the event that help is needed while your parent is home alone.
Tips and Warnings
- You can purchase medical alert systems. These are comprised of a wearable button that your parent can push to alert help during medical emergencies.
- If your parent suffers from severe dementia or Alzheimer's disease, it may not be safe for her to be left unattended. In this situation, hire 24-hour home care assistance or select a long-term care facility.
Things You'll Need
- Non-slip strips
- Grip bars
- Accessibility equipment
- Food storage containers
- Grease pen
- Programmable phone with large buttons
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Self-Reported Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Persons Aged >65 Years --- United States, 2006
- The University of Chicago Medical Center: Elder Care
- World Now: Ease the Stress of Providing Care for an Elderly Parent
- U.S. Department of State: Caring for Elderly Parents
