Co-owner John Hilsher is a champion for in-home care in Austin. His passion and mastery of customer service has reached the guru level. His extensive collection of tools and 1970's era home secured his position as the staff handyman as well. Away from work he can be found playing a never ending game of tug-of-war with his dogs and is anxiously awaiting his first child with his lovely wife.
Home For The Holidays
It’s finally here, the Holiday Season! It is barely November and one of my neighbor’s yard is already lit up with Christmas lights. The streets are decorated with wreaths and garland and Walmart has temporarily eradicated its inside garden department.
In the next couple of months, many of us will be meeting with our families for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. These events are a perfect time to pack on a few pounds and watch the Longhorns regroup.
More importantly though, this is an opportunity to take inventory of your ageing loved ones condition and assess their needs. Having everyone together gives siblings a chance to interact with their parent or parents and then privately discuss their observations and begin making decisions for senior care options.
Here are some ideas and things to look for and take note of. Do you pick up your parent or do they drive themselves? If you pick them up, take note of their home and its general condition. Does everything seem to work? Take a look in the refrigerator and see if there is food and what its condition is. Is the house clean and safe to get around in? Do they have all of the equipment they need to remain safe and at home such as grab bars and shower chairs.
If they drive, did they arrive on time or unusually late? Is there car in good condition and up to date on its inspections?
While you are visiting with them, notice their appearance. Are their clothes nice and clean? Is their hair done? Do they look thinner? Has their hearing or eyesight changed? Are they able to move around like they did the last time you saw them? How do they smell?
How do they interact with others? Do they recognize people they should? Do they speak less? Are they able to follow and engage in a conversation? When they eat, are they able to feed themselves easily? Has their appetite changed?
I am not suggesting taking notes of their behavior. Just that we use this time productively. It is very unlikely that an elderly parent, relative or friend will ask you for help. You and your family will need to make a decision to help them. Even four hours a day of senior home care can have a huge positive impact for someone.
I have no doubt that a professional in-home caregiver is the best method of long term care. I have seen the difference it makes in the lives of our clients and their caregivers.