If you have an elderly loved one in your life, you probably spend a lot of your time worrying about their health and safety. Even if you are currently their primary caregiver, there is no way you can be with them at all times. And if you try to be, you will undoubtedly experience an enormous amount of stress.
If this scenario sounds familiar, it might be time to consider what Phoenix home care can do for you and for your loved one. While almost 40% of assisted living residents receive assistance for three or more daily living activities (like bathing, dressing, cooking, and more), it may be that both you and your loved one would like to avoid making a move to any kind of nursing or elderly care facility. Home care services allow your loved one to age in their own home, where they want to be.
But how exactly will in-home personal care keep your loved one safe? Here are just a few of the tasks your home care specialist can address during the time they spend with your loved one.
Fall Prevention
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four seniors aged 65 and above will experience a fall every year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older people. In other words, you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent your loved one from experiencing a fall at home.
Your home care services specialist can assist here in a number of ways. They can evaluate your loved one’s history of falls, make changes to the home environment to improve safety, and provide adequate nutrition and physical support to minimize the risk of a fall. They can also work with you to devise a plan that can reduce fall risk even when they aren’t with your loved one.
Medication Reminders
Many seniors are required to take daily medications in order to stay healthy. But as we get older, we may not always remember to do so. Whether your loved one is exhibiting signs of dementia or simply hasn’t made their medication schedule a priority, their care companion can ensure this regimen is followed.
In some cases, forgetting to take a vital medication could put your loved one’s immediate safety at risk. In others, taking a daily medication may be one of the best ways to protect their long-term health. No matter the circumstances, their care provider will make these medication reminders a top priority to protect their safety, health, and quality of life.
Meal Preparation
Preparing daily meals can be a chore, even for those who are relatively young and able-bodied. But for many seniors, this task can require an immense amount of effort. As a result, elderly and vulnerable people who are left to their own devices may not follow the best nutritional guidelines. Alternatively, your loved one may need to follow a strict diet to promote better health — and that can be difficult if they’re not able to cook for themselves consistently and safely.
Your loved one’s care companion can take care of meal preparation for them and ensure they’re getting the proper nutrition they need to thrive. In many cases, those who provide in-home services can also take on errands, meaning they’ll also take care of the shopping for your loved one. This can help to minimize stress or the possibility of an accident, as well.
If you’ve been providing care for your loved one at home or are worried that your family member may need a bit of extra help, you can rely on our experienced staff members to ease those burdens. For more on how we can provide essential home services and keep your loved one safe, please contact us today.
