By Karen Schulz-Perez, PhD

Sadly, there often comes a time when we realize that Mom or Dad are no longer the persons we’ve known them to be all our lives, and that “something needs to be done” to keep them safe and sound.

We may be faced with making difficult decisions and taking painful actions.
But how does one know what is best for her rapidly aging loved ones?

Tips to assist you in this challenging task:
Try to answer the following questions

• What changes are being experienced?
• What problems and needs are these changes creating?
  
• Which, if any, of these changes are harmful to your elders or someone else?
  
• Are these changes temporary? Is further decline likely?
  
• How does the older adult feel about these changes?
  
• Does he/she see them as problems or lifestyle changes?
  
• Have they made changes in their lifestyle?
  
• What adjustments are already in place?
  
• Is occasional or continuous help needed? How long will help be needed?
• Recognize and understand the older persons right to choice and the potential risks involved
• Involve the senior family member in the decision making
• Identify the specific needs of the older adult, such as:
  
  - Social interaction
  - Housekeeping
  - Meal preparation
  - Home maintenance
  - Financial management
  - Bathing and personal care
  - Mobility and transportation
  - Health care and medication management
• Consider the ways your older loved one does manage his/her life and is able to function.
• Anticipate his/her future needs
• Investigate available options and seek out geriatric health care professionals
• Seek additional resources to help you deal with this tender, sometimes frustrating subject.