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4 Signs It’s Time to Look at Nursing Homes for Your Parents

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As we age, we become more dependent on others to help us, and with time, this progresses to the point that consistent aid is required. If you have elderly parents, you may have noticed signs that show they may require more help and might not be able to continue the same lifestyle as they did before. Read on to learn more about the signs it’s time to start looking for a nursing home.

1. Your Parent Anxiously and Increasingly Calls You at Night

People with dementia tend to become confused, agitated, and anxious. With time, as the condition progresses, so too does their behavior. If you have consistently received calls at night from a worried or anxious mum or dad living on their own, then you know something is making them feel insecure. Your parent may be acting erratically because of dementia. It’s said that over one-fifth of U.S. nursing home residents have prescriptions for antipsychotic medications. People with dementia will eventually need constant minding and care.

2. They Have Suffered a Fall

A bad fall for an elderly person can bring about a dramatic change in their lifestyle. They may have been fully independent and could still drive their car to the shops and buy groceries. Falls can cause breaks and fractures and can lead to disability which is an even higher risk in a senior individual.

Statistics per the Centers for disease control (CDC) suggested that almost 132 million patients occupy emergency rooms in the United States annually, with around 30% of those incidents relating to injuries. After a severe injury and immobility suffered by a senior, it is most likely they will need 24/7 care at a nursing facility

3. The Home Is Not the Cleanest and Best Place to Live

You may notice that the home has become extremely run down. You may see filthy and stacked up dishes, spoilt food in the refrigerator and cabinets, a dilapidated garden makes up the outdoors, and the place is clearly not fit to live in under these conditions. Your senior parent may need a lifestyle change, and getting assistance from a nursing home can be of great benefit. If they have reached the point where taking care of themselves and doing simple chores has become too difficult, then they may need help.

4. They Struggle To Remember To Take Medication

As seniors’ memory slowly fades, they can struggle to remember important things like taking their medication. Some people are on serious medications that, when missed, can cause other health concerns. They may need live-in assistance or a nursing home to help with this and other things

According to Finance Buzz, 50% of people have emergency kits in their homes. Despite this large number, around 23% of those people think their emergency kit may be lacking essential items. Keeping an emergency kit in your home if your senior parent is living with you is handy to have. You may also have an emergency kit in your parent’s home and a panic button to call for help should something happen to them.

Does your elderly parent show any of these signs? You can have them examined at a doctor’s practice also to check whether they are capable of being on their own or if it is time to change their lifestyle. You may not put your parents in a nursing home right away. Instead, you can have them move in with you. Still, with time, having to look after a senior parent with dementia, mobility concerns, or other difficulties can put immense pressure on the child who is caring for them and could also strain the relationship.

There are also many alternatives, like in-home assistance, independent living communities with on-site medical staff and doctors, assisted living communities, and Hospice care to name a few.

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer

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If you’re familiar with the phrase, ‘having a roof over your head,’ you know just how important this truly is. It’s your first line of defense against the elements and falling debris. If a roof is leaky or unstable, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the house is; it’s hard to live in. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 129,000 roofers in the United States. Finding a great roofer in such a massive pool requires tact. You have to ask the right questions. Here are some you can’t afford to leave out.

1. Do They Have Insurance?

Even if your home is already insured, as a homeowner, you don’t want to end up footing medical bills or paying for accidental damages to other parts of the house during the roof repair or replacement process. Therefore, the roofer you end up with must show they’ve got an active workers’ compensation and a general liability cover that absolves you of any liability your current home insurance doesn’t cover.

2. How Was Their Previous Clients’ Experience?

Asking to see previous projects or to speak with previous clients is not the same as going on a witch hunt. Buying or replacing a roof is a big decision, and you should carefully research the roofer’s work history. Be objective and address any concerns that come up straight on. Ensure their previous work aligns with the outcome you desire for your home.

3. What Credentials Does the Roofing Company Have?

Determine the credentials and licenses your local authorities require roofers to hold. Once you have this information, ask your potential roofer to show you their licenses and certifications. This way, you can weed out roofing companies trying to cut corners. If something goes wrong in the engagement, you’ll have a better chance for recourse if you deal with a legally sound roofer.

4. What Materials Do They Use?

Roofing materials aren’t all equal. They vary in price and quality. Your roof should serve you for decades without leaking or caving. So, the materials should support long-term use. For instance, if you install new asphalt shingles, according to Select Construction Company Inc., you will enjoy an impressive ROI of about 62%, whereas aluminum roofing, though much more affordable, has a lower ROI.

5. What Sizes of Projects Have They Handled Before?

The American Roofers Guild reports that the average residential roof in America is around 1,600 square feet. Granted, an experienced roofer may have handled projects in their tens or hundreds. Still, their scale may have been smaller than the work you want to contract them to do. Conversely, they may be experts at massive projects and must become familiar with the nuances of working on a much smaller-scale project.

6. Can the Roofer Give You a Work Plan?

Before you agree to anything, the roofer should provide you with a work plan that includes timelines, working hours, budget, payment terms, communication plan, contact persons, and other vital details that place you at the heart of the project. You shouldn’t be caught off-guard by anything, so try your best to read between the lines of any document offered to you. If a roofer doesn’t have a work plan, don’t hire them. With professional roofers, you won’t have to ask; a work plan is part of their project routine.

Roofing is a complex job, but these questions should set you on the path to a smooth engagement with your roofer. Build rapport with the company you choose to work with so you can ask for clarification at any stage of your roofing project. If you’re unsatisfied with a response to an issue that’s important to you, that’s a red flag. Keep looking until you find a roofer who’s willing to answer any question you may have, and before you put ink on paper, visit the internet for online reviews and comments about a particular roofer. The proof of roofing is in completed projects and satisfied clients.

5 Ways to Invest in Regular Home Maintenance

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Being a homeowner comes with a great deal of responsibility. To keep your home from falling apart or becoming a safety hazard, it’s important to do regular maintenance. Whether it’s roof inspections, power washing, or preventing air leaks, there are several ways to maintain your home. While spending more time and money on your home may seem like a burden, it’ll pay off in amazing ways you may not have expected!

1. Inspect Water Sources

As water flows into and out of the home, you must be mindful of the source and plumbing. 13 million households in the U.S. use water from private drinking water wells. The last thing you want for you and your family is to drink water that’s been contaminated because you didn’t maintain your well. Waterborne illnesses can cause gastrointestinal problems. Your local plumber should do inspections to ensure your pipes aren’t corrosive or create leaks. Leaking pipes not only waste tons of water in American households each year, but they can also cause water damage to the home.

2. Clean the Exterior

According to Zippia, there are over 9,424 pressure washers currently employed in the United States. Any algae growth can be unsightly and can create damage due to moisture. Regular power washing is a great way to remove it along with dirt and other bacteria from the exterior. It also aids in your home’s curb appeal, which is helpful in case you ever sell your home.

3. Add Security

Do you feel secure with your doors and windows? The doors and windows of your house should properly be sealed to prevent air leaks, water leaks, as well as intruders. If a person steals property or services worth $1,000 to $1,500, this is considered class B felony theft. However, if a person steals property or services worth more than $1,500, this is considered class A felony theft. You can help avoid any type of theft by installing custom steel or iron doors. Upgrading your home security system with smart locks and video surveillance is a great way to ensure there are always eyes on your home, even when you’re not there.

4. Protect Foundation

You simply can’t live in a house without a strong foundation. The best way to protect your foundation is to be mindful of any vulnerability to water damage. That’s why you should never skip your annual roof inspections. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy storms, you should also have your roof contractor check your roof afterward. Water damage can creep into the foundation and lead to mold. Mold is a health hazard to you and your family’s respiratory health. By preventing mold, you can avoid costly mold remediation services or hospital visits for asthma. You’ll also protect your home value.

5. Utility Bills

Paying utility bills is a part of home ownership, and the better you maintain your home, the less you spend. As mentioned earlier, leaky pipes waste tons of water, which can lead to a high water bill. When you have cracks and other vulnerabilities in your roof, windows, and doors, it makes it easy for air to come in and out of the house. Such exposure makes it impossible to truly insulate your home during cold winters and hot summers to keep the air temperature comfortable for you and your family.

These are just some of the ways that you can properly maintain your house. Property maintenance goes a long way in keeping you secure and safe for years. You’ll save money on costly utility bills, prevent mold, and more. For more information on how maintaining your property can save you money, contact our team today.