Caring for our home and for ourselves can become a challenge as we age. If you having an elderly loved one, you may have noticed how quickly his home turned from organized to a scene of disarray. Daily chores are avoided, personal care is neglected, and home management has been forgotten. Offering help can be viewed as insulting to your loved one or he make take offense if you point out his inability to care for himself and his home.
The good news is that there are ways to help your loved one manage his home and still keep his dignity-all without creating confrontation. In-home care provides seniors with the assistance they need to age independently at home.
Optimize the Living Space
When a person ages, his needs around the home typically change. He needs a residence that is secure and safe for his physical and emotional health and well-being. Declutter the home, removing items he doesn’t need or that can become a safety hazard. Consider installing handicap-accessible items, if needed. Some other ways you can optimize his living space can include:
- Installing high-wattage, brighter bulbs throughout the house to keep rooms well-lit
- Removing area rugs or securing them to the floor
- Installing bathroom aid devices to help your loved one shower or use the toilet
- Adding a home alarm system and medical alert service
An in-home care provider will carefully inspect your loved one’s home to make sure all safety issues are properly addressed so you can rest easier knowing he isn’t in harm’s way.
Create a Meal Plan
Telling your loved one when to eat, how to eat, and doing all the shopping and cooking may not go over well. Respect his independence by sitting down and creating a meal plan together. Draft a menu for the week or month and go grocery shopping together-if his health will allow.
Make sure the house is stocked with nutritious snacks for in between meals, and consider preparing meals that can be frozen and quickly reheated later. Inspect the refrigerator, freezer, and dry food storage at least once a week to discard any expired or spoiled items. In-home care services include all aspects of food shopping, preparation, and safety.
Coordinate Activities
Just because your loved one is older doesn’t mean he needs to stay confined and indoors, which may negatively affect his mood. Help prevent depression and withdrawing from society by keeping him active and scheduling activities. You can also ask an in-home care agency to provide companionship. Add in a good amount of physical exercise and consult his physician about the appropriate amount of exercise he needs every day. A good place to start may be the local senior center or recreation center where fitness classes for the elderly are likely to be held.
Get Help
Home management can be difficult for anyone. If you cannot manage your loved one’s house or your loved one needs regular assistance, in-home care services can help him with those difficult home management tasks-such as meal planning, maintaining personal hygiene, properly taking medications, and keeping a safe and sanitary home. In addition, your in-home care provider can help coordinate with other home workers, such as gardeners, cleaning services, and home repair service providers to maintain the residence.
You can help ensure your loved one’s safety, health, and happiness by offering in-home care assistance in the comfort of his home. It may be tempting, but always resist taking on everything or diminishing your loved one’s independence. While you may know he needs the help, allowing him the independence to make decisions, take part in his own home management, and keeping active will keep him happy and healthy for years to come.
In-Home Care Tips for Managing an Effective Household!
Caring for our home and for ourselves can become a challenge as we age. If you having an elderly loved one, you may have noticed how quickly his home turned from organized to a scene of disarray. Daily chores are avoided, personal care is neglected, and home management has been forgotten. Offering help can be viewed as insulting to your loved one or he make take offense if you point out his inability to care for himself and his home.
The good news is that there are ways to help your loved one manage his home and still keep his dignity-all without creating confrontation. In-home care provides seniors with the assistance they need to age independently at home.
Optimize the Living Space
When a person ages, his needs around the home typically change. He needs a residence that is secure and safe for his physical and emotional health and well-being. Declutter the home, removing items he doesn’t need or that can become a safety hazard. Consider installing handicap-accessible items, if needed. Some other ways you can optimize his living space can include:
- Installing high-wattage, brighter bulbs throughout the house to keep rooms well-lit
- Removing area rugs or securing them to the floor
- Installing bathroom aid devices to help your loved one shower or use the toilet
- Adding a home alarm system and medical alert service
An in-home care provider will carefully inspect your loved one’s home to make sure all safety issues are properly addressed so you can rest easier knowing he isn’t in harm’s way.
Create a Meal Plan
Telling your loved one when to eat, how to eat, and doing all the shopping and cooking may not go over well. Respect his independence by sitting down and creating a meal plan together. Draft a menu for the week or month and go grocery shopping together-if his health will allow.
Make sure the house is stocked with nutritious snacks for in between meals, and consider preparing meals that can be frozen and quickly reheated later. Inspect the refrigerator, freezer, and dry food storage at least once a week to discard any expired or spoiled items. In-home care services include all aspects of food shopping, preparation, and safety.
Coordinate Activities
Just because your loved one is older doesn’t mean he needs to stay confined and indoors, which may negatively affect his mood. Help prevent depression and withdrawing from society by keeping him active and scheduling activities. You can also ask an in-home care agency to provide companionship. Add in a good amount of physical exercise and consult his physician about the appropriate amount of exercise he needs every day. A good place to start may be the local senior center or recreation center where fitness classes for the elderly are likely to be held.
Get Help
Home management can be difficult for anyone. If you cannot manage your loved one’s house or your loved one needs regular assistance, in-home care services can help him with those difficult home management tasks-such as meal planning, maintaining personal hygiene, properly taking medications, and keeping a safe and sanitary home. In addition, your in-home care provider can help coordinate with other home workers, such as gardeners, cleaning services, and home repair service providers to maintain the residence.
You can help ensure your loved one’s safety, health, and happiness by offering in-home care assistance in the comfort of his home. It may be tempting, but always resist taking on everything or diminishing your loved one’s independence. While you may know he needs the help, allowing him the independence to make decisions, take part in his own home management, and keeping active will keep him happy and healthy for years to come.