Helping set up dinners for elderly parents aging in place--advice?

[Anonymous]

While they should start looking at some assisted living centers, it seems like they just need a little boost to remain in the home.

Having a caregiver come 3 days a week for 3-4 hours/day works for my parents. I have groceries delivered. The caretaker prepares meals in small boxes for 2 days or for the weekend (she comes every other day) . She washes dishes, takes out the garbage and does the laundry...any activity that is taxing.

She also takes them to the doctor's office or for quick errands. She does very light housekeeping.

Separately, I also have cleaners come every 2 weeks.

This alleviates a lot of problems. Also, medications in blister packets that are packaged by day are helpful.

We use Home Instead and while there may be turnover (sometimes people leave after 2 weeks), we've had the same person for the last year.

As others have said, have them visit assisted living/nursing homes. They also offer respite/short-term stays. One of my parents spent a few months at an assisted living center. They still prefer to be at home, but now we now have a familiar option for them to go when they need more supports.

[Anonymous]

OP here, this (above) is what I was picturing and it's very helpful to know it worked for your parents. Thanks all posters for the advice!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they would benefit from companion services. I've heard mixed reviews about hiring through Care.com, although the rates tend to be lower this way if cost is a concern. Otherwise, using an agency that provides these services (like Home Instead) tend to be more reliable. They would likely try to set it up so it's the same person coming and you should be able to 'customize' what needs to be done during the visit. If meal prep is the main concern they may just be able to come twice a week and prep multiple meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like they would benefit from companion services. I've heard mixed reviews about hiring through Care.com, although the rates tend to be lower this way if cost is a concern. Otherwise, using an agency that provides these services (like Home Instead) tend to be more reliable. They would likely try to set it up so it's the same person coming and you should be able to 'customize' what needs to be done during the visit. If meal prep is the main concern they may just be able to come twice a week and prep multiple meals.

Agree. Be very specific about what you are looking for. As someone else noted, if they are reasonably pleasant they could find someone who would stay quite awhile.

[Anonymous]

OP my father at 90 years old had a girlfriend about his age. Her daughters hired a friend to come into their house for a few hours, cook dinner, serve them both dinner, and then clean-up.

There is value in having one or two women do this, so that they get used to your parents or visa-versa. Sometimes the dinner were super casual like hot dogs because the both liked them. Important for whoever you hire to know that you don't expect them to be a chef!