Use the holidays to find out how your parents are actually doing - East Idaho News
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Use the holidays to find out how your parents are actually doing

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This story is brought to you by Visiting Angels, the area’s leading senior homecare agency with offices in Idaho Falls and Pocatello. Through a unique and fresh approach to in-home care, seniors in the eastern Idaho can now select their Angel and build a lasting relationship.

Many adult children are making their annual trek home with their kids to visit Mom and Dad for the holidays. It’s during these family reunions we can take notice of how our parents are doing as seniors.

We may see them struggling with the activities of daily living, but how can you know if they are OK?

Often a few tell tale signs are noticeable, like a decline in hygiene, unattended mail, spoiled food in the fridge, and confusion or depression.

If you see these signs, take them as a warning your senior loved one may need help.

Talk to them about your concerns.

Although it can be a difficult topic to discuss, it’s about their health and livelihood.

“By showing your respect and preserving their dignity, they will likely be the ones that bring up the idea of some help.”

“First and foremost, research what senior care options are available in the community,” said W. Scott Holmes, CEO of senior homecare company Visiting Angels of Eastern Idaho. “Many seniors wish to remain independent in the home they love for as long as possible.”

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Preparing beforehand with possible solutions can help the discussion be productive. Common options can include in-home care, assisted living communities or living with a family member.

As you begin the conversation, share your concerns one at a time. Instead of proclaiming your loved ones need help, allow them to acknowledge the challenges.

“By showing your respect and preserving their dignity, they will likely be the ones that bring up the idea of some help,” said Holmes.

Should an agreement be made that care is needed, adult children should take advantage of their time visiting to learn more about the options being considered.

Contact home care agencies or take everyone to visit a selected living facility to learn more about what services are provided.

Finally, create a family “care team.”

Determine who will assist in financial and legal issues. Who will be the point of contact for the professional care providers or who will provide care? As a team, schedule upcoming visits so a friend or family member is nearby as often as possible.

When you assess how Mom and Dad are doing, if warning signs are present, give them the gift of confidence that they will always get the loving help they need.

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