As your parents grow older, you may begin to worry about their needs. It’s not unusual for seniors to require help with daily tasks—from cooking and cleaning to bathing and running errands. This can be especially hard if they live several hours—or states—away. Therefore, you might be considering asking them to move closer to you—to a small house nearby, a local nursing home, or even into your own residence, where you can arrange for home health care services. The guide below explores how to approach this sometimes-delicate subject.

Moving Your Aging Parents Closer

What Are Some Signs They Need More Assistance?

Think about the last time you went to visit your parents. If the house was in a state of disarray, they neglected to take their medication regularly, or the refrigerator was bare, then it might be time to step in and help. Forgetfulness and general tiredness are also worth worrying about, as are any illnesses your parents have that they can’t manage safely on their own. As people age, cognitive and physical abilities may both decline, requiring others to step in and fill the gaps to prevent potentially harmful situations from arising.

How Should You Bring the Idea of Moving Up?

Your parents may be hesitant to make such a big transition even if it means being closer to family. Express to them gently that you are concerned for their safety, that you want only the best for them, and that you wish to take a more active role in their home health care. This could be as simple as coming over every weekend to clean the house and fill the refrigerator, or as dedicated as offering them the guest bedroom. Focus on the positives of moving and assure them that you will help with the logistics, such as arranging for reliable transportation.

What Is the Best Option for Them?

Coping with the realities of aging parents can be very difficult for adult children, but there are many avenues that provide help. Some seniors do well with the assistance of home health care providers, who can provide physical and occupational therapy, pain and medication management, and wound care from the comfort of home. Others may require more comprehensive attention at an assisted living facility under the watchful eye of experienced professionals. This is usually an option for those who suffer cognitive decline or who can no longer live safely on their own.

At Lakeview Christian Home in Carlsbad, NM, everyone is treated with an incomparable level of care and compassion. The nursing care facility tailors its plans based on their patient's unique needs, whether they require skilled nursing, occupational or physical therapy, or home health care services. Visit them online to learn more about their offerings. Call them at (575) 885-3161 with questions.