Caring for an aging parent is rarely easy,but it becomes even more challenging if your parent develops a chronic medical condition. Understandably, most seniors prefer to live as independently and self-sufficiently as they can at home, for as long as possible. But as the years pass, your parents’ ability to take care of themselves may not be as reliable as it once was. They may not be able to prepare regular meals or eat as nutritiously as they should. They might forget to take medication, track their symptoms, or visit the doctor on schedule.

Home health care can provide a much-needed helping hand. Professional caregivers can assist with nearly every aspect of a person’s life, allowing your aging parents to remain in a safe, comfortable, familiar environment, while having their personal needs fulfilled. To that end, you might consider getting help with the following:

• Personal care, including bathing, dressing, and taking care of other aspects of basic hygiene
• Safety-proofing the home and introduction of a personal emergency response system at home
• Ambulatory service, such as transportation and an escort to and from various doctors’ appointments that may be necessary for your parent’s care
• Medication management to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions or side effects and to ensure that prescribed drugs are being taken properly
• Money management, such as paying bills, updating bank records, and the like
• Assistance with accessing financial or insurance entitlements and other benefits, and dealing with legal issues such as power of attorney or advance directives
• Scheduling of doctors’ appointments and other necessary meetings
• Arrangements for getting medical equipment and other supplies for home use
• Companionship or respite care, which may allow loved ones a needed break  

For information on these and other services, click here.