Are you struggling to find a balance between protecting your parents while not infringing on their need for an independent life?  If so, you are not alone.

Countless adults become caregivers or guardians for their aging parents, often finding it necessary to place their loved one in alternative housing or use companion care. It can be a challenging time for caregivers since most are not experienced in choosing a facility or making appropriate adjustments for elderly home-safety issues.

Signs your loved one may need alternate care

• Not paying  household bills on time or at all
• Not recognizing need for necessary household repairs and maintenance
• Safe driving becomes challenging (increase in violations, frequently lost)
• Has poor nutrition (doesn’t prepare meals or misses meals completely)
• Neglects  personal hygiene (dirty hair/nails, poor oral hygiene, body or urine odor, dirty clothes)
• Loses track of medications (missed or over-doses, misplaces pill bottles)
• Reluctant to leave house (doesn’t visit friends/family, sleeps long periods,  uninterested in usual hobbies)
• Declining  mobility (shows difficulty going up and down stairs, walks unsteady on level ground)
• Shows poor  judgment (making decisions that would likely cause harm to self or others)

If you or someone you know needs caregiver support, visit www.itherapy.com for helpful information.