There's a Better Way to Support Aging Parents
Many adult children tiptoe around their parents' needs as they grow older. Often they understand that additional help or a move to an assisted living is needed but are afraid of being the one to suggest it. Some changes are viewed as the inevitable result of aging and regarded with a "nothing I can do about it" attitude. This couldn't be further from the truth! Health, onset of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, or family changes such as the illness or death of a spouse can have a significant effect on seniors, but there are tools and support options that can make a significant impact on your loved one's trajectory.
At the crux of discussions relating to whether a parent needs additional support are two simple sets of information: Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Methodically assessing where one stands in their abilities to perform activities within the two categories is the best way to assess what help may be necessary. Often, if family is engaged early and in an informed manner, they can identify which tasks they can help with in a less invasive manner, keeping the senior relatively independent and living in their home for longer.
Activities of Daily Living, commonly referred to as ADLs, are the daily personal care tasks that one needs to perform to successfully live independently. These tasks include personal hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting and moving from place to place with or without assistive devices such as a walker or wheelchair.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, commonly referred to as IADLs, are the more complex organizational and planning activities necessary to run a household. These tasks include transportation (whether driving or arranging public or shared transportation), housework, shopping, preparing meals, managing finances, managing medication, and communication.
When it becomes difficult or impossible for a loved one to perform ADLs or IADLs, there are several support options available ranging from help from family members to hiring help in the home to transitioning into a residential care environment.
Seamless Senior Transitions has created an assessment tool for methodically assessing one's ADL and IADL capabilities.
As always, Seamless Senior Transitions is here to help if you need help to support your loved one. Please don't hesitate to call, text or email.
All my best,
Cassy