Since the majority of seniors prefer to age in place, creating a comforting and supportive home environment is key to their continued health and well-being. Home modifications, hiring senior home care support and practical technology solutions ensure elderly loved ones’ daily needs are met.
As seniors grow older, changes to their physical and cognitive health occur. The elderly may no longer be able to independently accomplish the activities of daily living; and their weaker conditions may put their safety at risk. Evaluate a loved one’s abilities to provide the right help.
Firstly, observe if the senior is able to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, toileting and personal hygiene, dressing, bathing and functional mobility. Seniors may require limited or substantial help with the ADLs, depending on their physical and cognitive condition.
Also assess the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Functional seniors are able to maintain the home, prepare meals, purchase necessities, communicate, run errands, manage finances and take medications as prescribed. Consider where help is needed, and plan to provide assistance.
1. Assistance with personal hygiene
Showering and toilet use are likely to be challenges for individuals as they age. Reduce the risk of falling on a slippery shower floor by adding a shower chair. The senior will experience less fatigue if bathing is less physically demanding. A tub transfer bench is also a safe alternative.
Grab bars near the toilet assist seniors with less physical strength and reduced range of motion. Plug in motion sensor lights near the bathroom, so that fumbling with light switches during a nighttime toilet run becomes unnecessary. Motion sensor lights are also ideal inside the bathroom.
Several grooming aids are available to help seniors continue independent personal care tasks. Shaving is made simpler with extension handles for razors. Tube squeezers help older people with arthritic hands push out toothpaste. Fingernail clippers designed for those with arthritis simplify trimming nails.
In addition to grooming aids and home modifications, consider the help of a professional caregiver. A daily part of professional caregiving duties is to assist senior care recipients with all aspects of personal hygiene. Discreet help with showering, toileting and grooming are offered.
2. Help with mobility
Determine the senior’s ability to walk up and down a flight of stairs, sit in a chair and get out of it independently and climb into and out of bed. Seniors who have difficulty with mobility may need to rely on walking aids, such as a cane, scooter or wheelchair.
Home modifications, such as widening the doorway or installing ramps, may be necessary if the senior gets around using mobility aids, like a wheelchair. Replace the carpeting with non-slip, hard surfaces to prevent falls; and remove trip hazards. Change the doorknobs with levers that are easier to manipulate.
Caregivers and family members who monitor their elder care recipients’ movements are able to do so using technology, such as wireless bed alarms or rugs. When the senior exits the bed, an alarm sounds in the caregiver’s room. Bed alarms are protective measures for seniors with a high fall risk.
3. Assistance with home maintenance
Independently performing housework helps elderly individuals feel active and engaged. A lack of mobility or arthritic hands can frustrate seniors. Practical additions to the home that rectify the frustration include a step trash can, cordless handheld vacuum and front load washer and dryer.
Gardening is made easier for the elderly with green thumbs. Achy backs or arthritic knees no longer prevent them from tending to a flower bed. A stand-up weed grabber, raised garden bed and a rolling garden seat are available to help seniors continue their outdoor hobbies with comfort.
Caregivers take care of light household chores for their senior care recipients. Whether the elderly individual requires freshly laundered clothes or assistance with maintaining an orderly kitchen, professional caregivers are up to the task of making daily life less stressful.
4. Support with cooking and eating
Opening jars and cans of food requires grip strength. The elderly who struggle with the various aspects of cooking can utilize a wide range of practical tools. Electric can openers, food slicers and electric food processors are a few devices to simplify meal preparation.
Remodel an elderly loved one’s kitchen to add greater ease to the cooking process. Consider replacing the round cupboard knobs with easy pull levers. Counters adjusted to a lower level, pullout pantry shelves and raised wall ovens also help the senior continue to remain active in the kitchen.
Seniors may exert extra effort to consume three meals. Encourage independent eating with solutions, such as assistive eating utensils and non-slip placemats. Also consider adjusting the dining room table and chairs to an appropriate height for added comfort during mealtimes.
When elderly individuals need support in the kitchen, professional caregivers are available to lend a hand. Caregivers prepare balanced meals in accordance with the senior’s dietary restrictions. They also provide patient assistance to help seniors consume meals. Help with grocery shopping is customary.
Receiving daily help at home is possible with the skilled service and compassionate approach from the exceptional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care. We take care of all your elderly loved one’s non-medical needs, so that she remains comfortable and secure at home.
In addition to the home care services mentioned above, Assisting Hands Home Care providers offer pleasant companionship to the seniors in our care. Conversations, games and fun activities prevent the elderly from suffering the unbearable pangs of loneliness and isolation.
Reliable transportation is a task our caregivers handle with pride. We know how important it is for seniors to fulfill errands, travel to doctor’s appointments and make their way to social activities. We also offer dementia home care services for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Families with aging loved ones living in the surrounding communities of Yorkville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook and Joliet Illinois, are encouraged to consult Assisting Hands Home Care for comprehensive elder care services in Plainfield IL area. We ensure our senior home care recipients live a life filled with compassion and dignity. Call us at (815) 281-5276 to schedule your free on-home consultation.