Home Care Assistance: Are You Helping or Taking Over? Find the Right Balance

Home Care Assistance: As your parents age, they want their freedom and independence.

They don't want people taking over their lives, but they may want a helping hand from time to time. If you push too much, they'll become resistant.

How do you know if you're really helping or if you're being pushy and taking over before they're ready? What are the best ways to find the right balance to ensure they're safe and content as they age. Would home care assistance be an option for you?

Use ADLs and IADLs To Determine Abilities

Every month, stop and see what your parents can do on their own. Activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are things your parents need to do independently for their health, safety, and well-being.

ADLs include things like being able to walk around, get out of bed, feed yourself, and use the toilet. IADLs are things you need to do to be live comfortably and independently. It includes actions like cooking a meal, paying bills, driving a car, and running errands. You'll find checklists online.

Go through these checklists and see if there are things your parents cannot do that they used to do. As they get older, their abilities may change. When you notice something that they need more help with, that's something you'll need to start helping them complete.

Don't take right over, though. Give them time to try to do things. If they get frustrated, that's when you should step in and help out. Help out just enough to get the task done without taking over. Always stay calm while helping them with chores and activities.

When Do You Need to Push?

Sometimes, you will need to push harder. If your parents refuse to do the exercises their physical therapist recommends, you'll have to convince them to cooperate. If it takes a reward to get them to do what's needed, it's okay to use that tactic.

You do have to consider what happens if they don't do what's needed. When it affects health or safety, you have to push. If it affects convenience, it's not as important.

Ask Your Parents Their Goals

Have you talked to your mom and dad about their wishes as they age at home? It's essential to start with this discussion. Be upfront and ask to discuss it honestly while addressing their concerns, too.

Home care assistance helps them remain independent by assisting when needed. To learn more about home care and how to make it work for your family, call a specialist in your area.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Assistance in Bethany Beach, DE, please contact the caring staff at Macklyn Home Care today. (302) 691-3217