Many elderly adults can live independently in their own home and take care of themselves well. However, many seniors reach a point where they are no longer able to complete the routine duties and responsibilities of maintaining a home and a healthy life. Whether it is due to physical limitations or diminishing cognitive ability, many seniors find basic tasks overwhelming. Family caregivers sometimes take for granted that their elderly loved ones are taking care of things and don’t consider the possibilities that they really need some help.
Everyday needs would include all the things that elderly adults can do for themselves to ensure they are safe, healthy and happy. Here are just a few of the areas that often present a challenge to the elderly:
1. Proper Medication Management.
It’s easy for elderly adults to make mistakes on taking medication, but the health effects can be quite serious. Most seniors take more than two prescription medications from their doctor, but each one has different doses and instructions, such as what time of day they should be ingested and under certain circumstances, such as with food or not. Elder care providers can help seniors manage their medication, verifying that the aging adults take the right pill at the right time. While they cannot administer medication to the senior, elderly care providers can oversee and remind about proper use.
2. Personal Care and Hygiene.
As an elderly person’s physical abilities diminish, it can become harder for them to get ready for the day. Simple tasks like showering and getting dressed suddenly become big challenges that they struggle through. Elderly care providers can assist seniors wherever necessary, such as assisting with baths or showers, helping them get dressed, and stepping in on grooming tasks that may be challenging. Hygiene issues are quickly and quietly dealt with as well.
3. Home Conditions.
As the aging adult’s physical abilities decline, it can be harder to keep a tidy home. Elder care providers are perfectly suited to doing light housework and helping with a few loads of laundry. They can also move dishes in and out of the dishwasher, vacuum, and sweep. While elder care providers do not provide deep cleaning services, they can help the elderly adult create a clean and pleasant environment.
4. Meals and Snacks.
Meal planning and preparation makes a big difference in a person’s health and wellness. Elder care providers can work with the aging adult to work out a menu, and the elder care provider can do the shopping. Seniors who struggle in the kitchen can rely on the elder care provider to fix nutritious meals and prepare healthy snacks as well. Good nutrition is key to overall health, and seniors can get all that with an elder care provider in the home.
5. Appointments and Transportation.
One of the hardest things for seniors to give up is driving because of the independence and freedom it gives them. However, they still need to get around town, from attending doctor’s appointments to shopping and attending events. Elder care providers can transport seniors to where they need to go so they are not completely homebound.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care in Spartanburg, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
- Does Your Senior Parent Need Elder Care? - December 11, 2024
- Strategies to Prevent Wandering for Seniors with Alzheimer’s - November 7, 2024
- The Weighing Importance of Senior Home Care in Greenville, SC by Heart of the Carolinas - November 5, 2024
