During winter holiday visits, adult children who live at a distance from their parents might be shocked. “They’ve gotten so old,” is not an uncommon thought.

The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to make decisions regarding the needs of our aging parents. Many options are available to help seniors remain safe and independent in their own homes–often the most cost-effective solution for families and the preference of most seniors.

According to research from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, long-distance caregivers in the U.S. who are caring for an older relative number from 5 million to 7 million. Long-distance caregivers are generally defined as living more than one hour from the older adult.

In-home care agencies, like Home Instead Senior Care, can provide the following senior services:

- If the aging adult’s physical or mental capacities to drive are compromised, transportation can be arranged to wherever they want or need to go.

- If eating and food is an issue, a care provider can grocery-shop, plan, prepare and clean up after meals.

- If they can’t sleep, daytime mental and physical stimulation can be arranged. Overnight care is also available.

- If they’re not taking their medications properly, care providers can help fill prescriptions and provide reminders to take their medications.

- Assistance with personal hygiene and laundry can be provided.

- If they are recently bereaved (e.g., loss of spouse or adult child), much-needed companionship is available.

- If they’re depressed about their lack of independence, care providers can help them by providing dependable, one-on-one care with their activities of daily living.

- If they make statements like “My kids are too busy,” caregivers can visit when family members can’t.

- Home Instead Senior Care invites adult caregivers to read its latest article, Aging Parents and the Holidays: Assessing Needs and other useful articles at http://www.homeinstead.com/246/resources/default.aspx.