1. My father
just isn't safe driving
anymore. What should I do?
First, speak to your father about your concerns. When a person gives
up driving, he or she also gives up a certain amount of independence. You
can help him through such a change by looking at transportation options
available for older persons
in his area.
If you are unsuccessful in convincing your father to stop driving, you can speak with your father's doctor and ask that he or she contact the Motor Vehicle Administration's Medical Advisory Board to request a formal evaluation of your father's driving ability.
2. My parents need help with basic house maintenance and grocery shopping.
In addition, my father needs help with bathing. What services are available
for them and what is the cost?
There are a number of in-home
services available:
- For companies to take care of the lawn and house consult the yellow pages or ask his neighbors about reliable providers.
- Some grocery stores will deliver food, either for free or for a fee. There are programs that may be able to provide volunteers to assist with some of these services, such as Home Team in Baltimore County. Contact your local Senior Information and Assistance Program for information.
- Personal care services, like assistance with bathing, are available through home health care agencies and in-home service agencies. The cost varies considerably so it is worth the time to call around. To help you choose a home health care agency, Medicare has developed Home Health Compare, an on-line information source that educates you about home health agencies.
While the cost for house maintenance and shopping services is usually borne by the individual, there may be funding to assist with the cost of personal care services if your parents qualify for state and local subsidy programs.
3. My mother is having difficulty making ends meet. She is an intelligent
and capable woman and wants to find a job. She thinks the only options
available to her are fast food restaurants. How can I help her find other
choices?
There are employment
options for older people because many employers are
seeking older, mature workers.
If your mother meets the income requirements, she may be eligible for the
Senior AIDES program, which offers job training and placement services
to older individuals with low income. If she is not a candidate for Senior
AIDES, she can use the services of the Maryland
Job Service or visit her
local senior center to review the employment opportunities on file there.
4. My grandfather cannot prepare meals for himself. Is there help for
him?
If your grandfather is homebound, he can have meals
delivered to his home by
a Meals on Wheels volunteer.
There is a cost for service but no one is denied service because of an inability
to pay. You may inquire about subsidies to help pay for the cost of the meals
by calling the Meals
on Wheels central
office at 410-558-0827.
5. My father is having more difficulty walking. Can you recommend safety measures
for the house?
There are a number of things that you and your father may want to consider.
There are basic modifications/changes that can be made to make his house
safer.
You may also want to ask your
father's physician if a referral for physical or occupational therapy
would help.
6. My mother's vision is declining and she recently gave up her car.
What sources of transportation are available?
Public transportation (buses, subway and light rail) is available at a reduced
rate for senior citizens. The MTA also operates the Mobility
Program, which
serves individuals with disabilities who cannot use regular bus, Metro subway
or light rail service.
There are also specialized transportation programs, usually operated by local government agencies, which take seniors to medical appointments, shopping, senior centers and other destinations.
7. I live in one state and Dad is in another.
Is there someone in his town who can assess his needs and arrange for
any services
he might need?
There are private and public case
managers that can assess your father's
situation, arrange for services needed and maintain contact with you and
other family members. Eldercare
Locator can provide more information about
services throughout the country.
8. Ever since my father died, my mother has stopped attending family functions.
She stays in the house most of the time and she seems to be losing weight.
What can I do?
Make sure your mother has had a thorough physical examination recently.
Sometimes undetected and/or untreated medical problems can cause changes
in a person's behavior. For a more complete assessment, including
a mental health evaluation, encourage her to get a geriatric
evaluation performed by a multi-disciplinary team. Geriatric evaluations are performed
at many hospitals.
Getting her involved is the next step. Take her on a visit to the local
senior center where there are many opportunities for socialization as well
as classes, exercise programs, grief counseling and support group programs
and more.