BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Many families struggle to know when it’s the right time to bring in a caregiver for an aging parent. Dr. Andrew Duxbury from UAB says there are some signs to watch for.
“It’s time to bring in a caregiver if the older person is simply not safe in the life, they’ve designed for themselves,” Duxbury says. This could mean repeated falls, trouble managing medications, or difficulty handling day-to-day tasks. Cognitive changes can also make it hard to cope with modern life.
Dr. Duxbury recommends starting the conversation early, well before an emergency occurs. He says Thanksgiving can be a good time to discuss care plans because families are gathered together in a relaxed, familiar environment…