There is no special or specific age that signals when your elderly parent can no longer be on her or his own. We must be vigilant to be sure that our seniors are eating well, taking care of themselves, staying on top of their medications, and keeping all medical appointments. It is also important that their house environment is clean and safe and that they have a social support system. They are ideals that people all need to shoot for.

The time to take action is when you see changes, regardless of how subtle. Is the mail going unopened for days? Are bills being ignored? Can be your parent declining to answer the phone or stay in touch with friends and family?

You also need to step back and have a hard look at your parent’s environment. Consider tips on how to make things safer, brighter, and cleaner, given your time and effort and finances. This consists of an array of questions you must ask, including:

? Are the locks adequate and working?

? Is the electricity and every one of the lights and appliances in working order?

? Is the exterior of the house and grounds kept up?

? Are your parents concerned about getting adequate food and nourishment?

? Are 看護師 taking their medications and likely to medical appointments?

? Are they getting exercise?

When you have done everything inside your power, also it becomes obvious that it is not enough, it’s time to reevaluate the situation and explore other housing options. It is crucial when caring for elderly parents that you include them in your choice making process each step of the way if possible. Open communication is invaluable. Be familiar with the options that are available such as: moving in with you or another relative, moving to a smaller apartment/living space closer to you, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.