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October 8, 2011 | in Nanny Jobs
10 Reasons Your Elderly Parent Might Need a Nanny
October 8, 2011 | in Nanny Jobs
We all needed to count on our parents to take care of us until we were old enough to care for ourselves, but as our parents get older, the roles become reversed. As their bodies age, our parents no longer have the strength and vitality they used to and often health problems become a prominent part of their lives. Though they may be far from needing nursing home care, your parent could need a little extra help around the house. Let’s examine 10 reasons your elderly parent might need a nanny.
- Meals – Do you have reason to suspect your parent isn’t eating properly or having trouble preparing meals? As people age their appetites decrease and sometimes they simply forget to eat or don’t want to bother with cooking a meal. A nanny could make sure they are getting regular meals and proper nutrition.
- Housekeeping – Another area that may need attention is regular housekeeping. What used to be simple chores can become exceedingly difficult for elderly parents with health problems. A nanny could help with laundry, vacuuming, dusting and other cleaning that you parent has difficulty managing.
- Bathing – Even though your parents bathed you when you were young, they may be pretty uncomfortable in reversing that role. If your parent is having trouble bathing, they may be more amenable to getting help from a trained professional.
- Medications – Elderly parents with health problems often have trouble managing the various prescription medications they need to take. A nanny could give you peace of mind by monitoring your parent’s medication and making sure they’re following specific directions and dosages. A good caregiver will make sure your parent isn’t overmedicating and that prescriptions are filled when needed.
- Getting around – Joints begin to wear out with age and your parent may start to have trouble just getting around. Hip and knee replacement surgery has become commonplace and recovery takes time. A nanny would be very helpful to assist your parent’s mobility and make sure they’re doing the physical therapy exercises required.
- Companionship – As your parents age and one by one their friends pass away, they just plain start to get lonely. With the demands of work and family, you never seem to find enough time to spend with them. Even if your parents are in good health and don’t need assistance, a nanny could provide companionship they desperately need. Regular visits from a caregiver can help prevent your parent from becoming reclusive and withdrawn.
- Monitor mental health – Alzheimer’s and dementia are common problems for the elderly and your parent may start showing signs of mental health problems. If your parent seems confused at times, you may want to hire a nanny just to monitor the situation. If the symptoms are mild, they may be able to stay in their home for quite some time before needing full time care.
- Shopping – Another area your parent may need help with is shopping. You don’t always have time to run to the store for food and household items, so a nanny could be very helpful. Someone who is in the home on a regular basis is better at monitoring what items are running low and keeping a good list. They could even take the time to shop for fun things like new clothes or accessories.
- Memory problems – Being forgetful is a common problem for people of any age, but can become more pronounced in the elderly. If your parent is having trouble remembering appointments and seems to be more forgetful than usual, a nanny may be a big help. They can keep track of your parent’s calendar and help them implement simple reminders.
- Staying active – Health problems and general aging can sometimes result in parents becoming sedentary and not trying to live up to the potential they still possess. A nanny may be just what they need to get out and use their capabilities. Even a stroll around the lawn may be all they need to maintain a sense of well being.
It can be difficult to realize that your parents may no longer have the strength you’ve relied on all your life. They may find it hard to admit that they now need help because they don’t want to be a bother. Getting a nanny to help out, even if it’s just a day or two a week, may be just what’s needed to keep your family healthy and happy. An in-home caregiver can keep your parents living in the comfort of their own home during their golden years.
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