For Chad Hahlen, entering into the homecare industry was personal. “We watched my parents from afar struggle with my dad’s care for the last two years of his life,” he says. “It really took a toll on them and their health.” So Hahlen left behind a multi-decade career in the bank technology space to help ease other families’ burdens as they navigate the challenges he faced.
Hahlen decided to use his experience to help others, and Hallmark Homecare was the perfect avenue. Together with his wife Tricia, the duo provides referral and placement services to match clients who need care—no matter their age—with professional, trusted providers. With each pairing, patients and families find the right caregiver for them.
As we enter the holiday season, time with family comes naturally. But with each passing year, the changing needs of your older family members can become more apparent. Perhaps an uncle needs extra help getting to dinner, or mom needs care when holding her new grandbaby. Whatever the situation, it can be challenging to acknowledge—or maybe even to notice—these increasing needs. That’s why Hahlen says the holidays can be the perfect time to pay attention to changes. Whether the challenge is finding reliable transportation to family gatherings or ensuring the cousins are equipped to host, now is your chance to integrate adjustments into family rhythms and help make your loved ones feel as included and welcome as every year before.
Watch for Changes
“You’re going to notice some changes in your parents,” says Hahlen, so stay aware. Because change is inevitable as we get older, Hahlen explains that it’s essential to take note of these changes you see in your loved ones as they age. “Catalog that and have patience,” he says. What might these changes look like? You may notice your relative repeating themselves frequently or that they’re slower to recover from bumps and bruises than they used to. These are all things to pay careful attention to and regularly reassess, especially as they approach a busy season that might require more effort than it used to.
If you notice changes in your loved one’s agility, Hahlen says it could be helpful to take a trip to their home and check for mobility hazards that could cause a fall. Also, check for other signs: you may notice a fridge full of old leftovers, an unclean home, or some general hygiene issues. These are changes that could indicate that they need some extra attention during the holidays or even care throughout the year.
Reassess Travel
“You have to take into account your loved one's ability to travel. That needs to be on the front end,” says Hahlen. As family members get older, their mobility will change in a variety of ways. In addition to physical mobility, we need to assess our loved one’s ability to drive. Hahlen points out that aging parents may start skipping out on holiday festivities because it becomes too much hassle for them to get there. In that case, suggest the idea of hosting the gathering at their home and helping them out in a familiar and easy place for them to get around. Hahlen encourages families to “do as much for them as you possibly can.”
Hahlen relates the story of a client who was able to host Thanksgiving in her home with the help of her caregiver. The caregiver prepared the food and readied everything needed for the meal so that the client could relax with their family. Hahlen said he’s also had caregivers who help clients with their Christmas shopping—in-store and online—to help alleviate stress and encourage patients to stay involved with their families.
Make Adjustments Early
It’s important to assess things early on to make sure everyone gets the care they need when they need it. “Consider care earlier in the process to avoid any falls,” Hahlen says. The challenges that come with aging can seem to come on suddenly, but Hahlen emphasizes that if you pay close, consistent attention to those family members, you can help keep them in their best shape for as long as possible.
Staying alert to changing needs early on can help prevent painful, grueling recoveries from potentially devastating injuries like falls and broken bones. This can also help you adequately plan your holiday gatherings. Hahlen suggests you ask yourself, “How is my loved one’s current mobility compared to last Thanksgiving? Do they have more difficulty doing daily tasks that could keep them from enjoying themselves?” Asking these questions in advance, even if extra help or care isn’t needed yet, is another way of making sure we care for those we love in the best way we can and keep their lives full and as fulfilling as possible.
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“You’re going to notice some changes in your parents. Catalog that and have patience.”
“You have to take into account your loved one's ability to travel. That needs to be on the front end. Do as much for them as you possibly can.”