Blog

Early Interventions in Elder Support

Ann Robbeloth
October 8, 2014

Start small. We tend to be creatures of habit who guard our autonomy and household habits fiercely. Its much easier to slowly introduce supports rather than waiting until a huge need has developed, which can feel like a hostile take over. For obvious reasons, waiting for the big intervention will often meet stubborn resistance.

Having 1-3 meals delivered weekly by a meal preparation service for the elderly can be an easy start. Hiring a house cleaner for the “heavier” cleaning tasks, and slowly increasing the tasks assigned as needs change is another nice start. Elders who are themselves caregivers for a sick spouse can benefit greatly from encouragement to engage relief or respite care to run errands, see a friend, or get a hair cut. Once resources are identified and familiar, ramping up services as needed becomes much easier.