Risk factors for seniors living at home range from leaving the stove on to calling 9-1-1 proclaiming they lost their car keys.  Not so funny, dementia or daily “forgetfulness” is very common with the elderly.  The degree of the memory issues should be evaluated carefully.  Does it pose a health or safety risk to your loved one or others around them?  If the answer to this question is yes, then steps need to be taken in order to ensure their overall well-being.

If you live in the same community as your senior loved- one, you may work out a schedule that includes checking-in on them.  You’ll probably want to have other family members, friends, or neighbors help with this.  The downside is that you can not always be there in the event of an emergency and it can certainly get very wearing on your personal life.  Keep in mind; this also may be a short-term remedy as your loved-one continues to age.

Senior home health care agencies may be your next option.  The Durango area currently has three agencies, Mercy Home Health, Alpine Home Health, and San Juan Basin Home Health.  They can help your loved-one with medication, housekeeping, bathing, and many other services.

One thing to note, however, is that home health care does not offer 24 hour supervision and your loved one may be at risk when they are not there.  Also, caregivers have one of the highest turnover rates in the nation.

Your senior citizen loved-one may have several caregivers who will need to be brought up to speed and sometimes scheduling conflicts can become an issue.  Home health care agencies do a good job filling in the gaps and can help keep them at home. However, if safety is in question when your loved-one is alone, you may need to explore long term elderly care options.

… part 3 will discuss issues surrounding, long term independent assisted care options.

Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community

http://www.sgwseniors.com/

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090