As adult children of parents who want to remain in their homes as they grow older, we have an inherent responsibility to observe and educate. Our parents change as they grow older...we all do. They slow down and some things just become more difficult. Know that your parents will not admit to having any difficulties as they do not want to appear weak or in need of assistance. Remember that the loss of independence is the greatest fear of Seniors. Observe these changes and educate them on what is possible through making changes to their environments that can increase their quality of life and remove risk from their homes.

I was in an older couple's home the other week and they had no family in the area. The woman had become wheelchair bound a couple of years ago and her 92 year old husband was taking care of her. They had no bathroom that could properly accomodate someone in a wheelchair and because of this, the woman had not had a shower or a proper bath in two years! Some simple changes could (and should) have been put in place that would allow her a better quality of life. They just did not want to ask anyone for help and acknowledge their struggles.  Unfortunatly we see this often where people are just dealing with their environment instead of changing it to suit them. 

Please be observant of changes effecting how your parents interact with their environment...do not take them at their word that "everything is just fine." Next educate them on how making changes can increase their quality of life and allow them to remain independent longer.