Having the Post-Holiday Care Conversation

Special recipes, cherished traditions, and festive décor are all reasons we love the holidays! The holidays are a great time to connect with family members who may live far away. Adult siblings may return to their childhood home to spend the holidays with their older parents. It is sometimes the first time in several years that the whole family gathers in the same place. Relatives can’t believe how fast the children have grown, and we may get the opportunity to meet new members of the extended family.

But not all the changes we notice are positive. Some red flags may alert adult children that their parents are no longer able to take care of their homes or even themselves. Perhaps clutter is filling the house, mail is piling up, or a loved one appears to have lost an unhealthy amount of weight. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays pass, we may begin to consider if our older relative is still able to take care of themselves and their home.

Sandra Heintz is a Certified Senior Advisor and owner of the Northwest Houston-based home care service. With a decade of home care experience, she understands the full spectrum of services available for older adults.

“If the kids live out of town, or even across a large city like Houston, they may not see their parents frequently. Some red flags to look out for would be piles of unopened mail, empty prescription bottles, or an insufficient amount of food in the house. Are they managing their medications? Has there been a recent history of falls?”

Family members might suggest a move to assisted living or other supportive housing. However, we know that most people want to stay in their homes as they age. In-home care is a perfect resource for support, providing a variety of services that help seniors live safely at home.

“We fill the gap and help keep seniors engaged with their healthcare team and the community,” says Sandra. “Our approach is holistic — we help families find services for seniors. DispatchHealth, for example, is mobile urgent care. They provide fluids or evaluate patients in their homes.” That’s just one example of how Sandra’s expertise as a Certified Senior Advisor benefits our clients.

Home Care Offers Dignity and Respect

Our highly trained, professional, and extraordinarily compassionate caregiving team provides older adults a variety of care and support. From personal care to companionship to help with daily living, Right at Home offers wide-ranging assistance.

Companionship — Loneliness and isolation have a big effect on senior mental health. Having someone around helps seniors stay engaged and increases their overall wellbeing.

Light housekeeping — Chronic conditions like arthritis, memory loss, or visual impairment can make it difficult to keep one’s home tidy. In-home care workers can help with dusting, vacuuming, and keeping the home free of clutter that could cause falls.

Personal care — Caregivers help with activities of daily living, including using the bathroom, bathing, and dressing.

Transportation — Caregivers can arrange transportation to doctor’s appointments or social functions, helping seniors stay active and healthy.

Medication management — In-home care workers can help older adults stick to their medication schedule and monitor for any side effects.

Nutritional support — This can include making trips to the grocery store, meal planning, and cooking. Caregivers can also help seniors adhere to a special diet plan.

Have the Conversation

What’s the best way to suggest in-home care support for an older relative? Seniors are used to making their own decisions and may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit they need assistance. It can be an awkward conversation! Before you bring up home care to your older relative, take these tips from home care experts:

“The dignity of your loved one is the most important thing,” Sandra explains. “The care receiver still wants to be seen as a parent. Recognize that your relationship may change, but bringing in a third party can help keep those successful boundaries for everyone involved.”

Right at Home Northwest Houston offers a free guide called the RightConversations Guide, that can help break down communication barriers as conflicts within the family and communication gaps with healthcare providers can lead to frustration and stress.

Contact us us for a free, in-home evaluation to learn about our services, and how we can help you or a loved one have a healthy and independent life.