If you have an elderly parent who needs a little bit of help with basic care, you could be thinking about moving in to provide this care yourself. This can be a great way to save money on costly nursing home bills and other costs, and it can also help you spend a little more time with your loved one. Plus, you'll gain confidence in knowing that your elderly parent is getting the care that he or she needs, so you won't have to worry.
However, you could be a bit nervous about preparing yourself for this type of care, especially if you have never done it before. Luckily, proper preparation isn't as tough as you think and can help ensure that both you and your parent are ready for these big changes. These are a few things that you should consider doing before moving in.
1. Meet With Your Loved One's Healthcare Team
There is a good chance that there are multiple healthcare providers helping your loved one. For example, your mom or dad might have two or three different doctors and a physical therapist. Make a point to meet with all of these individuals before you move in. Then, you can tell your loved one's medical professionals about the care that you will be providing and can find out more about what he or she needs. You might be surprised by the helpful tips and information that these healthcare professionals can provide you with.
2. Make Home Improvements
Consider making home improvements in your loved one's home before you move in. Adding in a wheelchair ramp, putting in grab bars in the bathroom and near the bed, and otherwise making changes can make it easier for you to provide your loved one with care. You may even want to install a senior-friendly, sit-down shower, which can make giving your loved one a bath a whole lot easier.
3. Take Nursing Assistent Classes
Consider taking STNA classes in your area before providing care. Even if you aren't planning on pursuing a career in this field, you can learn a lot more about how to provide your loved one with proper care.
Providing your mom or dad with care yourself can be very rewarding as your loved one ages. However, you have to make sure that you are prepared for this care. Follow these tips, and you can help ensure that you are as ready as possible for this new change.
Share27 June 2015
Are you happy with your job? Do you have a career or just a job that you go to each day to earn a buck? I was working as a waiter at a local pub for about five years. I had no idea how much better things could be for me until I talked with a customer about how he went to a trade school, learned a trade, and began a real career. That was the beginning of my next journey in life. I created my blog to help others that feel trapped in their jobs and don't feel as if they have anywhere to go. It is my hope that I can inspire others the way that my customer inspired me.