By Suzanne Gainey
There comes a time in life when decisions must be made about an aging family member’s living situation. If you have come to the decision that the best option is for your loved one to Age in Place, you are not alone. 51% of those who need care have chosen to age in place, in their own home, and 29% of folks with a caregiving situation live in the home of their caregiver.
Maybe mom has taken a fall, or dad isn’t able to get around like he used to. We understand the stress and worry that accompanies the caregiving situation. It can feel completely overwhelming and may require more time, energy and money than you had originally planned on. Here is where to start:
- Talk it out. The best way to begin is by having a candid conversation with your loved one and all of the family members involved in the caregiving decisions. Getting everyone on the same page may take some time. Be patient with the process and continue to have conversations as time goes on.
- Set your priorities. Is medical care needed around the clock, or can your loved one manage on their own with a daily check-in from a family member? Do you have the time to provide all the necessary care your loved one is going to require? These are some of the things you will need to consider as you embark on your new caregiver journey. Be sure to plan for not only your loved one, but for your own family’s needs as well.
- Build a support network. You can’t be everything to everyone all of the time. Be sure to set yourself up with help and support, whether you think you will need it or not.
- Don’t be afraid to delegate. Sometimes caregivers take on too many things all at once. If you have family members living far away who are involved perhaps you can task them with things that can be done online or through the telephone. This way the entire burden is not falling on one family member.
- Communicate with everyone. Hold family meetings and communicate with each other. Communication is key. Stay in touch and be sure to inform other family members of things as they occur.
Making decisions for a loved one can be difficult no matter how you approach it. We hope these five tips offer a way to begin a dialogue with your loved one. At SmartCells, we know that decisions regarding the care of your loved one can quickly become stressful and overwhelming.
Our aim is to help you reduce the possibility of fall-related injuries by installing SmartCells Fall Protection flooring or mats in the home of your loved one. We offer standard sized area mats as well as full custom flooring options. Our solutions are customized to fit any space and any budget. We even offer in-house financing options for those who qualify.
For more information regarding SmartCells Fall Protection Flooring visit our Aging in Place page, or to schedule a free no-obligation consultation please call us at 360-748-8711 or e-mail us at aginginplace@smartcellsusa.com.