Role Reversal by Iris Waichler MSW LCSW

Author:Iris Waichler, MSW, LCSW
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press
Published: 2016-03-14T04:00:00+00:00

Finding the Right Assisted-Living Community

There are several issues to consider if your senior is thinking about transitioning to a new home; a key one is determining the right level of help that he’ll need. You may want to gather information from his physician and/or people who spend time with him—especially if you haven’t personally been able to see how he functions in his home environment. Remember that a senior’s own reports about how he manages on a daily basis may or may not be accurate.

Here’s a checklist that will help as you’re considering this next, significant step for your senior:

• What is her medical history?

• Does she have any physical limitations?

• Does she have problems with physical mobility? For example, going up and down steps, getting in and out of bed, standing from a sitting position, getting in and out of a bathtub?

• How well can she complete daily self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation?

• Does she have problems with short- or long-term memory?

• Does she have problems with bowel or bladder incontinence?

• Does she have cognitive problems such as forgetfulness, uncertainty about the time/date, or knowing where she is?

• Is she having difficulty keeping accurate and up-to-date information about finances? Is she paying bills on time and staying on top of her checkbook and bank records?

• Do you feel there are behavioral concerns, such as agitation, paranoia, depression, anxiety, and/or decreased ability to function at night?

• Do you have any concerns about alcohol or drug abuse?

• Is she on any medications? Does she understand their purpose? Can she take them properly, without any type of supervision? Can she get her prescription refilled?

• Regarding her current home situation, is it being properly maintained? Does she have appropriate food?

• Is she able to manage the cleaning of her home?

• Does she have a car? Is she able to safely drive? Are there other types of transportation that she can easily and safely use?

• Considering these questions and your answers, do you think your senior needs supervision in order to remain safe and well cared for in her current home environment?

If possible, your senior should be a part of this conversation, along with your siblings (if any), other family members, and close friends.

Sometimes all that’s really needed is to simply downsize from a home that has become too onerous for your loved one to handle. Living in a smaller home, apartment, or condominium can offer relief from maintenance challenges.

When helping your loved one find a different living space, top on your list should be a place with no stairs and easy accessibility. Look for doors that are a wider width, should a walker or wheelchair become necessary. Bathrooms should have tubs and/or showers that are easy to get in and out of; handrails are a must.

Another consideration should be location. How great a distance is it to family and friends? Are there nearby grocery stores and pharmacies that can also deliver? Are your elder’s preferred doctors nearby?

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.