By Brenda Deschner, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
As we all sit and watch the weather reports warning us to buy food, water and supplies, not to use a generator inside due to carbon monoxide, warnings to remove snow and ice from driveways, and simply not to drive, it strikes me that the media have forgotten something much more important; safety of our seniors. I currently have several clients that I am very concerned about because they waited until the last minute to look for a home with care. They are waiting for an emergency situation to happen that will force them to make a decision to move into a Community or an Adult Family Home.
I keep hearing, “We bought her TV dinners to get through the storm”, or “There’s plenty of water there, they will be okay”. Winter is tough for seniors and they need a balanced diet, rest and exercise to thrive, not to mention simple social interaction. How are they going to get that if they are hunkered down in their home living off of TV dinners?
The roads are icy and we do not have enough snow plows to support clearing all major roads, never mind that emergency vehicles cannot make it to less traveled areas in a timely matter. Nor could you as a loved one.
Local hospitals and Emergency Rooms are at capacity, meaning they are having to send people home who would do better under supervision. Please take time to check in on your loved ones, if it is safe to do so. Call them, and if you cannot get there, ask their neighbors to check on them.
Please do not wait for a crisis to dictate your loved ones care. Consider using this harsh winter to see how they will have a better, safer future where you can rest at night knowing they are taken care of.
In the meantime, we are here to help no matter what your situation is. If it’s an emergency, an imminent situation or you just think it is time. Unfortunately, 95% of the families we help are in crisis when they reach out to us. Regardless of your personal situation, we are professionals, and we love what we do. We will come up with a Long Term Care Solution for your loved one.