As people get older some common complaints or concerns that caregivers hear are:
- "The stairs are getting so hard to climb."
- "Since my wife died, I just open a can of soup for dinner."
- "I've lived here 40 years. No other place will seem like home."
These are common concerns for older people. Given the choice, most seniors want to continue living in their own home, rather than moving in with a relative, or going to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
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Some people start having trouble doing everyday activities like shopping, cooking, and taking care of their home or themselves as they grow older. Is that happening to any of your relatives—your parents or an aunt or uncle, for example? If so, talk to them about getting help. Offer to get information for them. Think about what you and others in the family can do to help. Talk to your friends whose relatives may be facing the same kinds of problems. Ask about the solutions they found. Then sit down and tell your relatives what you have learned. Together you can decide what to do.
How Can I Help My Aging Parents Stay in Their Home?
Caregivers often ask themselves, "What do I do first?" Think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. Planning ahead is hard because you never know how your parents' needs might change. Start by looking at any illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or emphysema that you have.
Then talk to your doctor about how these health problems could make it hard for your aging parents to get around or take care of themselves in the future. Help getting dressed in the morning, fixing a meal, or remembering to take medicine may be all your mom or dad needs to stay at home.