If you have aging parents or other
relatives, you know how hard it is for
them to recognize when living alone may
no longer be an option. Getting them
to accept help can be even tougher, no
matter how well-intentioned you may be,
but in many cases it is very important.
"As individuals age, they may not
be fully aware of their own limitations
or needs," said Kia Parsi, M.D., medical
director of CHI St. Joseph Health
Senior Services. "A senior who has
developed early signs of dementia may
not recognize that he or she will need
assistance with nances and household
chores. Losing independence is a painful
process and can be challenging for
both the individual aected and their
loved ones."
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Keeping in close contact with your elderly
adults is the best way to recognize when
they may need extra help, and whether
the better option is having them live
with you or nding an assisted living or
care facility.
"Individual safety is the prime
motivation for transitioning an individual
to a new living environment," Dr. Parsi said.
More than 39 million
adults in the United
States today are
caregivers for parents or
other older relatives—
but how do you know
when it's time for a new
kind of care?
Caring for Your Own Parents
