How to Explain to Your Parents that They Need a Caregiver

 "Owning" one's independence is a very important and personal thing, and it's something most adults don't even think about.

"Of course I'm independent, and that's not going to change anytime soon," we think. It's inevitable at some point, though, that we're going to need help once we get older, and maybe that time is here for your parents. Maybe the house isn't clean, or they can't entirely take care of their own needs anymore. Today, it's entirely possible for many seniors to stay in their homes and simply have a home care service worker come in on a regular basis to help.

However, for the most independent of folks, even considering having a caregiver can be difficult. How do you explain to your parents that they need a caregiver? How do you do so in a way that's entirely respectful and yet firm enough that your parents won't try to refuse?

Make it about the tasks that need to be done, not them. If your parents are having physical difficulty taking care of themselves or completing chores around the house but are mentally sharp, simply sit down and talk to them about how you know it's important to them to keep up their home. Tell them that you are going to hire a home health service to come in once or twice a week to help with cooking or laundry or cleaning, medication organization, etc., so that they'll have an easier time of it.

Be gentle. Again, if your parents are mentally sharp, they will know that things have begun to slide. They know that their hygiene may not be what it once was, or that they're not able to cook or clean adequately. Don't "guilt" your parents into accepting caregiver help. Instead, simply tell them that you know their home's appearance (and theirs) is important to them and you can help them see to it that things are kept up just as they always have been.

Emphasize that this is about maintaining independence, not losing it. Most seniors are terrified at the thought of going to a nursing home, and will do anything to maintain their independence. DON'T threaten your parents with a move to a nursing home in order to get them to do what you want them to do, but do emphasize that a home care service can help them keep their independence and stay in their home.

Let them be in charge. Again, if your parents are sharp mentally, let them be in charge of managing the home care service workers who come to their home. While you may manage things peripherally and will be onsite occasionally to make sure things are going well, your parents are the ones who should be seen as "in charge" of the care workers who see to their needs. (That is, unless your parents are suffering from dementia or something similar where they don't have the ability to be in control.)

Once your parents see that hiring a caregiver service simply gives them the assistance necessary to take care of required tasks, and once they see that they are in charge of the caregivers who are helping them take care of themselves and remain independent, they should feel much better about the need to have a service like this come to their home.

Max Miller is a writer on a variety of topics, including homecare. He has recently helped his parents adjust to getting older and the loss of control that comes along with that. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and sports such as basketball.

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The Benefits of Using a Taxi Transfer from London to Heathrow when Going on Vacation

There is nothing more exciting than going away on vacation. Nevertheless, the day of travelling itself can be an extremely stressful one. After all, there is so much that you need to do and think about. One of the main things you need consider is how you are going to get to the airport. There are several options at your disposal; public transport, taxi transfers and taking your own vehicle and leaving it at the airport.

If you are travelling to and from Heathrow Airport then it is highly beneficial that you seek a taxi transfer. There are several reasons as to why this is the case. Heathrow is the busiest and the biggest airport in the UK. This can be an extremely daunting and confusing place to get to by yourself, especially if it is the first time you are going to the airport.

The option of a transfer from London to Heathrow will give you peace of mind. This will give you a lot less to worry about on departure and return. After all, all you need to do is wait for the driver to arrive at your home and then he will drive you literallyto the airport doors. Upon return most transfer services operate by the process of their driver waiting outside arrivals with a sign with your name on it. This makes everything much easier and ensures that you do not have any panic on the day.

In addition to this, transfers tend to be a lot cheaper in comparison to the other options that are available. Parking your car at the airport can be exceedingly expensive. Moreover, public transport is a lot more costly than it used to be. In addition to this, public transport becomes more expensive per head because you pay via individual ticket. This is the opposite to taxis which become cheaper per head because you simply pay for the vehicle use as a whole.

With further regards to costs and convenience, it is also worth noting the fact that taxi transfers do not charge you anymore when your flight is delayed, furthermore they will keep a check on this so that you do not need to inform them. This is highly beneficial. If you leave your vehicle at the airport then it is likely that you will face extortionate costs if your flight has been delayed and thus you have overstayed your parking limit. In addition to this, whilst public transport may not become more expensive you may find yourself waiting around for hours if you land in the middle of the night. Most trains and buses do not run in the early hours of the day, and thus you could find yourself waiting around for four or five hours.

It is not hard to see why so many people prefer the option of a taxi from London to Heathrow rather than the others choices available. Nevertheless, when selecting a transfer service there are several things you need to consider. First and foremost, make sure that the price of the service is low in cost and fixed in cost. Furthermore, ensure that they have the greeting service as mentioned. And it is also wise to have a look online and see if they have a good reputation.

All in all, opting for a taxi to Heathrow rather than public transport or taking your own car is highly recommended. Not only will it give you peace of mind but it is a cheaper option too.

 Author bio – Peter Smith is a freelance journalist. He used Airport Pickups London as a resource tool on transfers from London to Heathrow. Thus, if you need more information it is advisable that you visit their website.

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Texting or Calling?

I think I more often texting than calling. I will call only if I need a straight answer. Besides that, I prefer texting.

My late father never texting as he felt lazy to type on little keypads. A SIL always calling since it’s quicker and easier. My husband loves doing both. How’s about you?

For Blue Monday, I share two candid shots from my archives –captured at different time and location.

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Sri Lankan Leopard

Trying to make it looks better with a little oil paint effect

Both leopards captured in their cage at the Ragunan Zoo (Jakarta, Indonesia).  I faced difficulty in taking pictures of them as they were always moving and I only used my pocket digital camera. It’s was their bathing time :-)

Based on Wikipedia, those Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a leopard subspecies native to Sri Lanka. Classified as rare species by IUCN, the population is assumed to be declining caused by many threats including stealing for trade and human-leopard conflicts. 

Camera Critters

 

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