Elder Care: Tough Questions That Need to Ask Your Dad
Elder Care: When was the last time you sat down and talked to your dad about his plans?
It’s something that families often put off until the last minute. Don’t let an emergency happen and push you into urgent action. Talk to your dad about his plans for aging now by asking these tough questions. You can have an elder care specialist there too, to help with any tough questions.
Elder Care in Clark County VA: Senior Discussions
How Is His Health?
What do you know about your dad’s health? Many older adults have at least one chronic health condition. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis are some of the common ones. All of these can impact how well your dad manages his daily routines.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If your dad has diabetes, the risks he faces include heart disease, gum disease, and diabetic retinopathy. He needs to see his doctor, take medications, follow any recommended diets, and get enough exercise.
How Confident Is He When It Comes to Being Alone?
How confident does your dad feel when he’s home alone? If no one can stop by and see how he’s doing, is your dad anxious or feel certain he can get help if he needs it?
When your dad lacks confidence, it increases his stress and anxiety. Excessive stress impacts his health. If he would feel better having people stopping by every day or a few times a week, it’s imperative that you do what makes your dad comfortable.
What Happens If He’s Not Able to Drive?
What happens if your dad’s vision or health declines to a point he cannot drive his car? Is he within walking distance of stores and his doctor’s office? Would he need to get you or another person to take time off work to drive him around? Would this pose problems with work schedules?
Does He Eat the Right Foods?
On your last trip to your dad’s house, you found his freezer full of frozen burritos, pizzas, and Asian noodle bowls. After looking at the label, they’re all low in fiber and high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. His refrigerator lacks fruits and vegetables. His cupboards have canned pasta and soups and nothing else.
If he’s eating items that are convenient and not looking at the nutritional benefits at all, he risks worsening his health and risking malnutrition. He needs someone to help him with meals, and he needs to know it’s okay to admit he needs assistance.
Is He Too Stubborn to Ask for Help?
If your dad needs help, is he going to ask? Sometimes, older adults let pride get in the way. They won’t ask for help until something happens. Your dad needs to avoid the stubborn streak that keeps him from reaching out to others.
Elder care specialists are happy to answer your dad’s questions and discuss the following steps to take. They can go over elder care services and pricing. Gather a list of questions you and your dad have and make the call.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Clark County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care.
Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
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