As our loved ones continue to age, they begin to require more care. Staying in the home has many benefits such as getting a helping hand to step in and check on their care can give families’ a powerful peace of mind.
This article is part one of a two part series covering home care. Learn what Jonathan Marsh, owner of Home Helpers of Bradenton, has to say about bringing care into the home in "Preparing for Home Care, Pt. 2."
One of the first questions to ask is: what kind of care does my loved one require? A simple check-in once a day to make sure they are eating and taking medications can be a starting point for more in depth care. As time passes or conditions worsen, nurses can visit more often or even live with your elders.
If you have decided that in home care will become a mostly permanent solution for your aging loved one, make sure you get the right equipment. As loved one's’ physical abilities decline a commode, walker, shower chair, wheelchair or stair lift may be necessary. Adapted sleeping arrangements can be made as well with the help of a hospital bed that can be raised and lowered to the most comfortable position.
Home safety needs to be reviewed and improvements may need to be made. Someone who needs assistance with walking may require a ramp into the building. Checking the floors is also a smart idea. Rugs, bunched carpet or uneven tiles or planks could become a tripping hazard. Is the shower accessible? Bathtubs can be removed to make way for an easy to enter shower with a bench or shower chair.
As aging loved one’s abilities decrease, appliances such as stoves, microwaves, dryers, etc. can become a danger. Accidents happen. Microwaves can be set for too long and burn food. Stoves can be left on and possibly create a fire. Also large hot pots and pans can become too heavy and fall spilling hot food everywhere.
Hiring a stranger to enter your loved one’s home to administer care can be a daunting task. Make sure to conduct extensive background checks. Installing a granny cam and removing valuables from the home is also a wise choice.
While your loved one is getting care in their home, it is still important for them to participate in recreational activities and go outside. Card games like bridge help keep the mind sharp.
Therapy is also beneficial to your loved one’s well being. We have outlined some ideas in our blog “What Kind of Therapy could Help Your Aging Loved One?"
Secure Aging wants your aging loved one to lead a happy and healthy life while receiving home care. Keep in mind all four wellderly techniques (financial, mental, physical and emotional) when preparing for full-time home care. Read more about leading a wellderly life with our blog "What Does it Mean to be Wellderly."
We can help make life easier by tracking monthly income and expenses, as well as fully advocating for our clients’ well-being and safety. We are here to help make your life easier and keep your loved ones safe.
Reba Rogers, CPA, is the founder of Secure Aging, a group of care managers who preserve the independence and protect the assets of seniors by helping them with financial management. She is also a Director Consultant for BNI (Business Network International), a referral marketing organization which gives her access to many trusted business professionals in the community.
