Help Keep Mom and Dad Home

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT MOM AND DAD AT HOME? ARE ONE OR BOTH OF YOUR PARENTS finding it more difficult to manage daily tasks in the home? Do you worry about the health and safety of a parent living alone? As abilities diminish as part of the normal aging process, families and other caregivers must often help the older person obtain the assistance needed to maintain independence and live safely at home. An occupational therapist works with the person and family to ensure that recommendations to increase independence and safety are specific to their wants and needs, skills, environment, budget, and other criteria. The following tips come from occupational therapy practitioners who work with families to help older adults stay in their homes. (AOTA)