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Do you have an older friend or family member who is finding it more difficult to manage daily tasks in the home? Do you worry about the health and safety of a parent living alone? Watch for clues that certain daily activities have become too difficult because of physical or mental changes. Are bills going unpaid? Is the person neglecting grooming or skipping meals? Does the home appear unkempt? As abilities and strength diminish, families and other caregivers must often help the older person obtain the assistance needed to maintain independence. Investigate and suggest resources such as bill paying services, "meals on wheels," lawn care, house cleaning, and window washing companies. Some elders will prefer professional help to dependence upon family members. Talking About Living Arrangements Introducing changes to the person's living environment or considering a move to more accessible housing is best approached long before safety issues become paramount. Too often, the individual is facing losses in other areas of life and resistance to change is increased. Introduce the idea of change through small, less intrusive modifications in the guise of gifts or services when you notice a need. For example, while replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs upgrade the wattage for improved visibility. If adaptations or repairs are needed such as adding railings on stairways or replacing worn or uneven floor covering, etc., offer to help the individual make choices and deal with contractors. Modifying the Home Environment The truth is that many aging people face limitations on independence in their homes only because the design and arrangement of resources no longer meet their needs. Enlist the help of an occupational therapist to aid you in identifying ways to improve safety in the home, to arrange resources, and to modify the environment to help compensate for disabilities individuals may be experiencing. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are specialists in helping people to deal with the effects of illness and injury on their ability to manage daily life. Introducing and Supporting Change The therapist can also help you and the older individual explore implementing changes in ways that may make them more acceptable. For example: Consider offering financial assistance. Many older people are highly concerned about conserving resources for future needs for themselves or their spouses. Others have little experience with current costs and may fear being overcharge for materials and services. Try building suggestions for change around "I" messages. "I worry about you falling on those dark basement stairs. As a birthday gift, we are going to make sure your stairs are safe and well-lighted." The purpose of this fact sheet is not to offer medical advice. To discuss your particular problem or condition, contact your primary physician. Materials may be reproduced for purposes of education.
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