Older adults have learned how to do many things at home over the years. Your senior loved one may be adept at fixing things that break or love spending hours baking homemade treats from scratch in the kitchen. While these are wonderful things to see, your loved one may face more challenges at home than he or she lets on. Try these six ways to help your loved one at home so he or she has more time and energy to spend on the things he or she enjoys most.
1. Ask About Their Challenges
The best way to help seniors is to address the issues they care about most. For example, your loved one may be worried about how to keep up with medications or even be afraid to admit he or she needs help using the restroom. Starting a dialogue about what your loved one needs gives you a way to prioritize the assistance.
2. Look for Potential Safety Issues
After living in his or her home for many years, your loved one might not recognize things in the environment that could be dangerous. For instance, a rug with an upturned corner could cause a fall, and outdated appliances could pose a fire risk. Talk to your loved one about fixing the issues that worry you most. Simply clearing a walking path by rearranging the furniture can make a big difference in how easy it is for your loved one to get around.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care Barrie seniors can trust and rely on.
3. Simplify the Housekeeping Routine
Your loved one may no longer need some of the stuff he or she has accumulated over the years, and this is a great time to clear out some of the storage areas. Your loved one may also need to move things such as dishes down to lower shelves so he or she doesn’t have to reach or climb a ladder. Your loved one should also have a plan in place for someone who can clean the house when he or she is too ill or tired to do it independently.
4. Make It Easier to Bathe
Bathing is often more of a challenge for older adults, and your parent may need to install a walk-in tub or slip-resistant bath mats to prevent falling. Your loved one could also use a handheld showerhead if he or she has difficulty reaching certain body parts in the shower. Handrails, shower chairs, and other safety accessories should also be added to the bathroom.
5. Remember to Think About Socialization
Most likely, you think of practical ways to help your loved one around the house, such as doing the grocery shopping. While this is great, you should also consider how your loved one spends most of his or her time. If your loved one lives alone and doesn’t get out much, ask if he or she would like a companion who can help out around the house and be a good friend.
For families living in Barrie, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Offer Help with Transportation
Your loved one may also need help with transportation. Watch for signs your loved one is having difficulty driving, such as avoiding going to important places or having accidents. Then arrange for transportation assistance that takes the burden of driving off your loved one’s shoulders.
Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Call Home Care Assistance today at 647-970-3803 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.