There is not any special or specific age that signals when your elderly parent can no longer be on his or her own. お仕事 need to be vigilant to ensure that our seniors are eating well, taking care of themselves, staying on top of their medications, and keeping all medical appointments. It is also important that their home environment is clean and safe and that they have a social support system. They are ideals that we all need to shoot for.

The time to take action is once you see changes, regardless of how subtle. May be the mail going unopened for days? Are bills being ignored? Can be your parent declining to answer the telephone or stay in touch with family and friends?

You also need to step back and have a hard look at your parent’s environment. Consider how one can make things safer, brighter, and cleaner, given your time and effort and finances. This includes an array of questions you must ask, including:

? Will be the locks adequate and working?

? May be the electricity and all the lighting fixtures and appliances in working order?

? Is the exterior of the house and grounds kept up?

? Are your parents worried about getting adequate food and nourishment?

? Are they taking their medications and going to medical appointments?

? Are they getting exercise?

If you have done everything inside your power, and it becomes obvious that it is not enough, it’s time to reevaluate the situation and explore other housing options. It is crucial when looking after elderly parents that you include them in your choice making process each step of the way when possible. Open communication is invaluable. Be familiar with the options that are offered such as: relocating with you or another family member, moving to an inferior apartment/living space nearer to you, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.