The Institute of Aging estimated that in 2020, more than five million Americans lived to be 85 or older. By 2050, that number is expected to climb to 19 million.
As the population of older people continues to grow, it’s likely that they’re going to need some help to continue living on their own. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to help provide home care for your loved one. Sometimes the smallest gestures can be of great importance and ultimately this will help your loved one maintain independence.
Don’t Coddle
Whether you’re helping care for a loved one or a caregiver is providing home care, you want to avoid coddling your loved one. It can be difficult to watch a loved one age, but you want to avoid going overboard with care. If a loved one can do something for themselves, and be safe about it, let them. If they ask for help, offer assistance, but don’t rush to do everything for them. Encouraging this independence can help them in more ways than one.
Support Independence
If a loved one is adamant about doing as much as they can on their own, supporting them is among the best things you can do. Those providing home care should give them tools that will help them keep their independence.
For example, if they have trouble walking, get them a sturdy cane or a walker they can use to get around the house. If they aren’t able to get to the store on their own, help them get in touch with local food delivery services. If they want to connect with family and friends, a tablet is a great way to make video calls. All of these steps will help your loved one maintain a good quality of life and help them feel comfortable about living on their own.
Modify Their Home
Depending on your loved one’s abilities, it might be necessary to modify their surroundings. That doesn’t mean switching out everything they own, but making some small modifications to make everyday tasks easier can help both your loved one and the home care provider that assists them.
You can help them get around easier by removing any tripping hazards from the floor, like steps that lead into the living room or area rugs that pose a slipping hazard. You can install a rail in the shower so they’re able to get in and out easier. You can place items like books, remotes, and even clothing up higher so your loved one doesn’t have to bend over. The care and time you spend is all about making things easier on your loved one and these small steps can be a big help.
Make Time For Them
There is an infinite number of things you can do to provide in home care for a loved one. But perhaps one of the greatest things you can do is make time for them. Home care doesn’t always have to be about coming over to clean, or cook, or help around the house. In home personal care can also mean doing something fun. It can mean spending time with them, actively listening, and participating in their favorite activities. If they love playing cards, offer to play a few hands. If they want to get out of the house, offer to take them for a drive. They’ll appreciate the time you’re spending and you won’t feel like you’re just going through the motions providing care. Relying on a home care professional to do these things is a great idea but be sure to pop over to your loved one’s house as well.
Watching a loved one age is never easy, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of their independence either. If you’re looking to help a friend or family member continue to live on their own, call Cypress HomeCare Solutions today to learn more about their home care services. Once you give us a call, you’ll understand why we have been Maricopa Valley’s trusted provider for over 26 years.
