Homecare may be necessary, but how much does your parent really need?

The question of whether or not your parent needs homecare can sometimes be tricky. For example, the last time you were at your mother’s, you noticed she had not completed the laundry. When you inquired, she commented that she could not reach the laundry detergent. Perhaps your dad stopped eating breakfast and lunch. However, he joins his neighbors at the community dinner. Dad tells you he stopped eating because his microwave oven is broken and he did not know how to cook without it.

Your first reaction is that your parent needs homecare. However, you may want to take a step back and ask, do they need homecare or some gizmo or gadget to complete everyday tasks?

Let’s discuss the situation with mom. Is it that she just cannot reach for the laundry detergent? If moving the product where it is more attainable allows your mom to do her laundry, you may have resolved the issue. If it is that simple, mom may not need homecare. However, if you move the laundry soap and mom still does not or cannot do her laundry, maybe the issue had nothing to do with it not being in her reach. If this is the case, you may want to explore the situation further and observe what other tasks are not being completed to find the link.

It is true, your dad may only know how to heat up food in a microwave. He also may be too proud or too frugal to let you know the microwave is broken. Instead, he forges on and allows his stubborn nature to deal with the avoidance of eating except when an evening meal is prepared for him. This may be a sign that homecare may be helpful. Yes, you can replace or fix the microwave. However, the facts remain the same; he is stubborn, and he may need some support to keep his health intact.

For mom, you can lower shelves and purchase grabbers. For dad, a new microwave or a small toaster oven may allow him to prepare a small meal or two. Check out the houseware section of a discount store and you will find many items that will make life easier, and more fun, even for the senior caregiver.