Try these simple tips:
- Ask your doctor for a referral
- Call your local CCAC to see if you qualify for subsidized home care
- Determine what type of care your require - homecare, day program or retirement home
- Look online for companies that provide a range of services - call and book tours or have someone come out to your home for a meeting
- Remember during this time - take care of yourself too!
Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe from Preditors:
- Keep an eye on any suspicious mail, email or new people visiting
- Visit often to ensure you are aware of changes in health & finances
- Watch for new items that appear as junk in the home
- Visit often at different times to listen for sales calls
- Keep an eye on credit card and bank statements for unusual debits and withdrawls
- Have an open line of communication as to activities
- Reiterate often about opening the door to strangers and never letting anyone in the house before clearing it with you
- Call your local police Senior Abuse hotline to report anything out of the ordinary or to ask questions that concern you
How do I Get My Parent to Accept Help?
- Who do they trust... their doctor, their lawyer, a friend, another family member? Enlist their assistance... speak to them and tell them your concerns
- Gently start mentioning your concern for their safety
- Visit more often to ensure you are confident they need assistance
- Start by employing someone to cut the grass, shovel the snow, cleaning the eaves out and other small jobs around the house that they are just not able to do anymore
- Tell them about friends who have someone in to help their loved ones and how well it is going
- Start shopping around for a reputable agency by calling and meeting with them if possible, bring the info to your seniors house and leave it where they may find it
- Have the conversation about your concerns... if it has come to the point where your worry is increased - tell them it is unfair to you to be worried all the time about them and that for both your sakes it's time for help
- Start with a few hours a week to get them comfortable (this may take some time so find an agency you feel comfortable with, that will help you with this transition and will visit your loved one often to make them feel good about this decision)
