With the holidays right around the corner, everyone is gearing up for all the festivities that take place during this time of year. Friends and relatives that you may not have seen for quite some time come together for food, gift-giving and fun! While the holidays can be a joyous time, they can also be a time when you discover that an aging loved one needs a bit more help than before. Mom’s once tidy home might need some TLC, or Grandpa’s refrigerator may be void of fresh fruits and vegetables. This could be an indication that a bit of support is needed to stay on top of day-to-day tasks. It’s a sensitive topic, but one that’s not uncommon. A recent study suggested that nearly 18 million older adults need help performing daily tasks, and that help can come from a variety of sources including friends, family members and agencies. Here are a few things to consider when you think an aging loved one might need some extra help:
- Determine available resources: You might not live close enough to an aging loved one to help out, or your busy schedule may prevent you from being as available as you’d like – you might have young children, extended work hours or other commitments. In those cases, there are local resources available that can step in when you are unable to assist. For instance, Providence Optimal Aging provides advisory and support services for older adults living in Oregon. Services include household chores, personal care, transportation and meals. An extra hand every now and then can make a big difference.
- Independence is key: Older adults would rather stay home – in their neighborhood, with their friends, doing the things that they love. Help give them the support they need to maintain their independence as much as possible.
To learn more about Providence Optimal Aging, visit www.providence.org/optimalaging or call 844-523-1387.
