by Don Simkovich

Created on: April 27, 2009   Last Updated: April 28, 2009

You have to send a text message to a client, speak to your child about studying for college entrance exams, and talk to your spouse about deferred maintenance around the house. Oh, yes, and you also need to help your surviving parent do a safety check around the house. But when? Your schedule is packed so tightly that one more task won't allow you to stop for more than a few minutes.

Having a professional enter the scene to help your elderly loved one on a regular basis is a fine option for many reasons that include companionship, help with chores and offering safety tips to help them stay in their home for as many years as possible.

Professional help for elderly loved ones doesn't have to wait until they're in an assisted living facility. It can be a positive step much earlier.

Companionship Choose a caregiver who has good listening skills and one who will engage your parent or other loved one on a regular basis. Tamara Kato who serves seniors in the San Gabriel Valley through Comfort Keepers is passionate about giving seniors a life of dignity and respect in their own home for as long as possible. She told me about the need to engage through conversation and work alongside them while doing chores whenever possible to keep them both mentally and emotionally healthy.

Chores Simple tasks from taking out the garbage to washing the laundry can be done by many seniors. But often having a professional to come in and assist ensures that they're safe in the process. Many seniors may remember themselves as being much younger than they really are so they'll want to be involved in their personal chores for as long as possible. Watch for unstable footing or slight forgetfulness as signs to discuss having a professional caregiver come in to assist.
Safety Tips Tamara Kato told me that steps are one of the areas of concern around a home. Make sure stairwells are properly lit and light switches are easily accessible near doors. She also mentioned that technology is available such as stove tops that can automatically turn off after reaching a certain temperature to ensure additional safety.

Discuss Long Term Retirement Plans Don't avoid discussion of topics such as living in a retirement community. Try to see the positives of having friends close by, help in maintaining an apartment and cooking meals. Bring the discussions up gradually when you see a parent or elderly loved one struggling with cutting the grass, washing the car or some other routine task they used to easily perform.

Having a professional help with care of your elderly loved one can be a positive step and relieve all family members from stress and uncertainty.

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