Start small. We tend to be creatures of habit who guard our autonomy and household habits fiercely. Its much easier to slowly introduce supports rather than waiting until a huge need has developed, which can feel like a hostile take over. For obvious reasons, waiting for the big intervention will often meet stubborn resistance.
Having 1-3 meals delivered weekly by a meal preparation service for the elderly can be an easy start. Hiring a house cleaner for the “heavier” cleaning tasks, and slowly increasing the tasks assigned as needs change is another nice start. Elders who are themselves caregivers for a sick spouse can benefit greatly from encouragement to engage relief or respite care to run errands, see a friend, or get a hair cut. Once resources are identified and familiar, ramping up services as needed becomes much easier.
