If a family member has asked you to move in with them, you were probably immediately met with mixed feelings. On one hand, you likely felt gratitude; happy that someone is willing to sacrifice for you and is worried about your care. But on the other hand, you probably felt a sense of looming regret that you’d have to give up your home and your independence. Living under one roof is an arrangement that does work for many intergenerational families, and for some it doesn’t. You decide if this is something that would work for you in your senior years, and during the process, make sure you ask these questions:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

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Q – I’ve been trying to get my mom to come visit us from Dallas for a number of years, but she refuses. She has a dog that means a lot to her, and she’s worried about taking him on an airplane, and for her, the distance is too far to drive. We visit her often, but would love to have her in our home so she can see the things her grandchildren are up to up close and personal. Any suggestions for how she can travel with a pet while knowing he is safe?

A – If your mom is reluctant about bringing her dog on a traditional airline, which many pet owners are and she doesn’t have the option of driving, then she can check out a great new airline that caters to only the furry traveler. Pet Airways might not offer trips between your cities just yet, but they will be adding on more soon, so your mom can put her dog on the airline and then meet him at the other side. They offer the following services to make the experience more comfortable to the dogs and cats that they take onboard.

• Pets ride in a climate controlled airplane, where they are regularly checked by staff for comfort and safety

• Pets on Pet Airways are not accepted if they have been given a sedative, something that is commonly required for pets riding on traditional airlines f they are nervous or excitable

• Unlike on other airlines, pets have the opportunity for potty breaks. They are brought out right before the flight and as soon as they land, and on long flights there are stop-overs  so pets can relieve themselves

• Larger dogs have the option to travel without having to be placed in the cargo hold like they are luggage, which is not climate controlled and there’s no way to know how safe the animal

Via: AARP

Are you seeking home care Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.