When an older adult reaches a stage in their lives where they need help around the house, it’s normal for family members to have questions about care options. In fact, many people aren’t even aware of all the services that are available. They may think they can only get assistance for medical needs or that the only choice for a senior with health problems that keep them from being completely independent is moving to a facility. Fortunately, there is help for seniors who just need a little extra help to stay at home. Home care is a service that provides for non-medical needs so that your loved one can continue to live at home safely and comfortably. If you’re uncertain what kinds of things home care can do for senior citizens, here’s a list of just 20 ways they can help throughout the day:
- Assisting the senior to get out of bed in the morning.
Home Care in Lubbock: 20 Ways Home Care Can Help Your Aging Loved-One - Choosing clothing and getting dressed.
- Brushing teeth or cleaning dentures.
- Grooming, including shaving, combing hair, and applying makeup.
- Foot care, which is especially important for diabetic seniors. Care may include clipping toenails, checking for blisters and sores, and putting on lotion.
- Reminding the older adult to take medications.
- Planning meals.
- Taking the senior grocery shopping, which includes transportation, assistance with pushing the cart, selecting foods, carrying heavy bags, and putting groceries away.
- Making meals and snacks that conform to any dietary restrictions.
- Doing dishes.
- Encouraging the person to get enough fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
- Offering emotional support.
- Taking the senior on outings, such as to museums, movie theaters, and other places of interest.
- Enjoyable activities that prevent boredom, like reading aloud, playing games, doing puzzles, or watching movies.
- Helping the senior use the bathroom, such as by transferring them from a wheelchair to the toilet, assisting with the bedpan, or emptying a catheter bag.
- Light housecleaning, including vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping, making beds, and doing laundry.
- Preventing falls by removing clutter, clearing walkways, keeping the house well lit, and offering a steadying arm as they walk.
- Getting the mail and helping the senior to read it.
- Encouraging more physical activity.
- Monitoring for changes in symptoms or new symptoms.
Keep in mind that this list doesn’t cover everything home care can do. If your older family member has a specific need, ask home care how they can help.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Lubbock, TX, please contact the caring staff at Best In-Home Care (806) 412-0723.