Help aging parents who live alone stay safe
It’s a common scenario many of us with aging parents are going through. Your loved one is adamant about living alone in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, but they need help doing basic tasks and you worry about their safety. It can be tricky trying to balance your own needs along with wanting to help aging parents who may not be comfortable accepting assistance.
Geriatrician Laurie Theriot, MD, offered some advice on how to help aging parents who live alone stay safe and remain at home.
How can you help a parent who wants to live at home alone?
“Caring for an aging loved one presents a unique challenge,” Dr. Theriot said. “It takes a multifaceted approach to do it successfully.”
In addition to making sure their home is safe, having a team of caregivers you can lean on is helpful in keeping loved ones in their own familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Start with the people you know, such as siblings, neighbors, possibly even church members. They may be able to help with errands, trips to the doctor, grocery shopping and everyday household chores.
Technology can also be helpful for keeping in touch and sending alerts when something is wrong. For older adults who feel comfortable using them, mobile phones and life alerts are good devices.
If you find your loved one needs extra help throughout the day, there are adult day centers as well as agencies that provide in-home caregiving.
“Through our PACE program, we’re able to utilize our adult health center to provide social activity and safety, as well as therapy services, while the caregiver is at work,” Dr. Theriot said.
What is a PACE program and who qualifies for it?
PACE, which stands for the Programs of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly, serves individuals 55 and older who meet a nursing home level of care with the purpose of allowing them to live in the community for as long as possible. PACE covers all medical care, including routine visits, specialty visits, emergency care and hospitalizations. It also provides transportation and covers medications and any equipment needed, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen.
“Anything you need to optimize your health and wellness, PACE can provide,” Dr. Theriot said. “We also have a day center with activities. Meals are provided, as well as therapy and medical services.”
PACE programs are available in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
What is the difference between a PACE program and an adult daycare center?
Adult daycare centers typically provide socialization, activities and meals, as well as services for adults with varying functional levels. However, they do not usually offer medical care and therapy services.
“A day center that’s a part of the PACE model would have all of the benefits of an adult day program, but you would also have access to medical care and therapy,” Dr. Theriot said. “Even if that involves breathing treatments, IV fluids or wound care. Any medical service that you may need could be provided at a PACE Center.”
Final advice for caregivers
Taking care of an aging loved one is a noble pursuit. It’s difficult but rewarding, and it takes patience and resources, both emotional and financial.
“It’s important, as a caregiver, to not neglect your own health and emotional well-being,” Dr. Theriot said. “If you sacrifice yourself to care for another, then you’re set up to fail. Consider your health in any decisions you’re making for the loved one you’re trying to care for.”
At some point, you might need to consider another level of care, such as residential care. Talking to your loved one and their doctor is a good starting point.
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