Senior Care at Home
November 18 2021Senior Care at Home
There are various sources of assistance for senior care at home. The following list includes some common things seniors might need support with. It is by no means an exhaustive list. Professional home care companies should always be open to pivoting care requirements in the home as the clients needs change. Always Home provides all the home care services listed below along with many other services.
1. Housekeeping
Does your loved one need help with chores like housekeeping, dusting and laundry? Hiring a home care company to provide some light housekeeping can take these tasks off their plate and yours. It may be time to evaluate how much of your time is spent performing housekeeping chores, and if hiring out this task allows for a more valuable use of your time. Always Home can provide housekeeping services that will ensure a senior is living in a clean, safe and organized environment.
2. Running Errands, Shopping Assistance and Transportation
Many businesses in Nova Scotia have adopted additional convenience features like delivery service and curbside pick-up. Local grocery stores, drug stores, dry cleaners and many other retail outlets now offer same-day delivery or express pick-up of items that have been purchased online. In some cases, these services can facilitate shopping and even make leaving the house entirely unnecessary. This is great for seniors who tire easily, have limited mobility or can no longer drive. If the primary issue with running errands is transportation to and from the store, there are several options for this service as well, including public transportation and taxis.
Always Home provides companion services that may include transportation to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store and other errands. The caregiver might be able to provide transportation or assist with other forms of transportation. This service offers the additional benefit of door through door service while helping with shopping or appointments. They can even take notes at appointments as needed. If a client is homebound or does not wish to leave their home, then the caregiver can shop for them and bring back needed items on their own.
3. Meal Preparation
When a senior is not eating well, it can take a serious toll on their health. Frozen dinners, take-out and meal replacement shakes can serve a purpose in a pinch, but these options are not ideal as primary sources of nutrition. Halifax Meals on Wheels is a well-known food delivery service for seniors in Halifax. Programs vary slightly from place to place, but basic service includes healthy meal delivery to those age 60 and older who have limited mobility and are challenged to provide themselves with adequate nutrition.
Always Home provides caregivers who can plan, shop for and cook meals from scratch. Seniors often enjoy exploring recipes and cooking together. The social aspect of sharing meals is especially beneficial for seniors who live alone. If the caregiver doesn’t visit frequently, he or she can prepare large batches of homemade dishes and freeze them for future use.
4. Medication Reminders
Seniors often have chronic medical conditions that must be managed with medication. When a loved one’s regimen becomes too complicated or they begin making medication mistakes, it’s crucial that they get help. While there are pill boxes, phone call reminders, blister packs, automatic dispensers and other products that can assist with medication management, these options often require another person to be present to confirm that the senior has taken their medicine as directed. Always Homes’ home support workers who visit at a set time each day can provide medication reminders in person and note that the correct dosages were taken.
5. Mobility
Getting around with limited mobility can be difficult and even dangerous for seniors. Professional caregivers can provide increased supervision and assistance with mobility and transfers, which can reduce the likelihood of falls and other household accidents. Many seniors are more active and less anxious when they know someone is there and that help is close by. In fact, our home support workers are happy to take walks with clients and participate in activities and exercises that help maintain and promote mobility.
6. Personal Care Services
Unfortunately, as a senior’s physical and mental health declines, all too often so does their personal hygiene. Simple tasks like bathing, brushing one’s teeth, putting on clean clothes and shaving become tiresome and fall lower and lower on the priority list. Helping a loved one bathe may be the only solution.
Personal hygiene is crucial for good health. Always Home can provide bathing services for seniors to help their loved ones with self-care and avoid the discomfort of providing this intimate assistance. We can also help seniors with toileting and continence care.
If you would like to explore options for helping your loved one with in home care for seniors, call Always Home today at 902-405-4400.
