Six Smart Steps to Take Before You Hire a Caregiver

Be sure to take time to properly assess your care needs so you can make the best choice for your family when hiring an at-home caregiver for yourself or someone you love.
Be sure to take time to properly assess your care needs so you can make the best choice for your family when hiring an at-home caregiver for yourself or someone you love.
Making the transition from home to an assisted living community can be difficult for both you and your loved one. Many older adults are resistant to leaving their homes and the thought of getting settled and comfortable in a new environment can be daunting for all involved.
For seniors and their adult children, the family home may be a source of comfort, safety, and happy memories. So it’s easy to understand the appeal of aging in place. Still, your senior’s safety has to be your top priority. If you’re not sure whether your parent can be safe at home – let alone what you need to do to make it happen – start by asking these three questions.
We find ourselves glued to the events in Ukraine – and with hundreds of European caregivers on the LeanOnWe network, we know we’re not alone.
If your parents are older baby boomers, it’s probably time to start talking about their future living arrangements. Though your parent may feel protective of his independence and resist downsizing to a smaller home, doing so may actually allow him to live independently longer. Plus, downsizing typically has financial benefits too.
Memory loss is one of the most frequent complaints of aging adults and whether your memory loss is part of aging, or part of a more serious condition, it undeniably impacts quality of life.
If you care for an aging parent, you’ve probably put considerable effort into making sure her home is safe and she has appropriate medical care. You may also keep an eye on her nutrition and help her get some exercise. Of course you want to provide whatever she needs to be as healthy as possible. But have you thought about touch?
Many seniors want to age in place. With so many other aspects of their lives changing – due to declining health, decreased mobility, or dementia, for example – they long for the familiarity of their homes and neighborhoods. Shopping in the same stores, visiting the same salon, or attending the same church or synagogue helps maintain a sense of normalcy during this uncertain period in their lives.
Going home for the holidays can bring great joy but for those who haven’t seen their aging parents or grandparents in a while, it can also bring new -- and sometimes -- troubling insights.
Spend a little extra time this season to show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift to thank your caregiver for all they’ve done for you or your parents or your child.
When we think about making an impact during today’s nationwide Giving Tuesday, we typically consider how each one of us can give of our time, our money, or both. But it’s not just humans who can give.
Sometimes help is just a few four-legged steps away.
Gratitude is one of those terms that gets tossed around a lot these days, particularly on this holiday.