One of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season is the opportunity to spend time with our families. For many people who have moved away from home this is the first time they’ve sat down with their parents, grand-parents, and other extended family members. It is the fun that makes these gatherings memorable, but they can also reveal that the older members of you family need additional help.

Please note: this article is not meant for healthcare advice or take the place of talking with your family doctor. However, we do know that after years of being Realtors that this time of year can cause concerns in families about the welfare of parents and grandparents especially since we spend more time with them. Our hope is to give you enough information to know if there is an issue and what to do if there is.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

One of the best ways to determine if your loved ones need help is using the Activities of Daily Living or ADLs. Most people in healthcare or the senior living industry define the ADLs in six areas. Bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (able to walk or get in and out of a wheelchair, continence, and the ability to use the toilet. By talking with and watching you’ll be able to quickly tell if your parent(s) or others have difficulties in these areas. If you’re loved one has any issues in any of these areas it is important you talk with their healthcare provider or doctor. Click here for more information about ADLs.

Fix the Immediate Problems

If you see problems with mobility make sure their current home is safe. There are several areas to check. Is there enough light? Are there adequate handholds on stairs, sidewalks, and steps? Are there any trip hazards in the home such as cords, rugs, or footstools? Are there items they use regularly that are out of reach or require the use of stepstools? Does the bathtub or shower have adequate handrails? If you see any of these issues either try to fix them or hire a local contractor. Click here for a few more tips.

What about the House?

We’ve had many clients call us in a panic when they find out their parents need to move into a retirement community because they feel like they have to sell the house fast. Relax, there is time for that. The first concern is the safety of your parents and their well-being. Before moving them, research the area, get recommendations, and personally check out communities before signing any paperwork.

Once they are settled you can turn your attention to the home. If you don’t know what to do, then the best advice is to stop and think about what is needed. Don’t do any renovations, or make big changes until you’ve spoken with a licensed Realtor about your goals, needs, and expectations. We’ve seen too many people attempt to make quick improvements which don’t pay off in the end. If you find yourself in a situation where the home is outdated and you need options please feel free to call us. We would be happy to help or even refer a Realtor you can trust in another city.

Take Care of Them First

We understand that this topic requires much more attention than we are giving it here. Once again our goal is to provide you with a starting point if you feel your parents or relatives may need help as we have had experience with these situations. While we hope this doesn’t come up, we also hope if it does, you’ll be somewhat prepared. Please let us know if we can help in any way.