Question:
My parents need help. My dad cares for my mom. Mom has dementia, heart trouble and diabetes. She slipped in her own urine and fell and now dad needs to do more for her. My brother is bothered by the smell of the urine and the fact that dad can’t go out any more because mom needs someone all the time. He thinks they should go into a nursing home. I disagree because dad wants to remain at home and care for mom at home. I help when I can but I have a family, I work and I want to support them but we all need help to keep them at home.
Answer:
Most older adults worry primarily about 3 things:
- Remaining independent without interference and intervention from others including their children.
- Maintaining good health and havﾭing enough money for basic needs and adequate health care.
- Leaving an inheritance for their children and grand children.
With that being said, the support for your parents has to be cost-effective and stress-relieving.
To eliminate the urine odor, I recommend that you try the disposable undergarment called TRANQUILITY (Click here for their “where to buy” search page). It is the only brand that does not smell of urine, it does not grow bacteria, it does not leak and it can hold up to 4 cups of urine and with a liner. Another advantage is that most people who use the tranquility brand do not need to change the garments as frequently – even at night – which means that the caregiver can get more time for sleep.
Regarding the need for care, consider services that provide assisted living at home. It is around the clock care brought into the home so your parents don’t have to move. The costs depend on your location. In some cases, this type of around the clock care is less expensive than a nursing home.
For families who do not require around the clock care, there is also hourly in-home care available. Some services require a refundable deposit. You pick the payment plan that suits your budget and the caregiver of your choice.