As your dad ages, you’re noticing he has a harder time with daily activities. His house isn’t as clean as it used to be. He’s relying heavily on takeout meals. He doesn’t drive, so his cupboards tend to be bare. He isn’t keeping up with medical appointments. It’s time to discuss caregivers, but you’re not sure how.
Here are some tips.
Have an Honest Conversation About IADLs and ADLs
Activities of daily living (ADLs) and independent activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks your dad must be able to do if he’s to live alone. He may not be able to do one or two of them, and that’s fine. If he struggles with more than two or three of them, he needs help at home.
ADLs are tasks that revolve around basic care. Can your dad take a shower alone? Get dressed? Use the toilet and clean himself properly after? Can he eat without help?
IADLs are tasks surrounding daily living. Can your dad drive safely? Does he pay bills on time and have enough money to cover the payments he makes? Can he call to schedule appointments? Does he keep up with housework and laundry? Can he plan a menu and cook his meals?
Check His Home
Your dad says he’s eating well. You look in his fridge and all of the food is past date or moldy. His cupboards are bare. You question how he can be eating well when he has no safe foods to prepare.
How cluttered or dirty is your dad’s home? If his home smells and you find his trash overflowing, he could be struggling to keep the home clean. It’s a sign he needs help.
Think About Your Own Needs
Is your dad involving you more and more when it comes to home care? Is he asking you to take time off to drive him to appointments? Does he need your help cooking meals for the week? Do you have that free time available?
If you’re struggling to keep up with your own household chores while also doing them for your dad, you’re likely stressed. The stress can affect your health. You need to explain to your dad that it’s too much. You want to help him, but you have a family and a home that are being ignored or pushed aside in order to help him.
By hiring a caregiver, you can still spend time with your dad. The difference is that the time you spend together will be for fun events and activities. You’ll have more time for him rather than for his house.
Involve your dad in the decision-making process. If he feels like he has a say, he’ll be happier with the caregivers that come to his home. Call our home care agency to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Sharon MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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