Maintaining a Level of Independence: How to Help Your Loved One Stay in the Home they Love

When a loved one is facing serious issues with their health or mobility due to age, steps must be taken to provide them with the care they need. Many seniors live alone in the homes they lived in their entire adult lives.

As they age, their health and mobility may diminish. This can leave them at risk for serious injuries and complications.

When they are alone, it can be difficult for them to get the help they need immediately to prevent further risks. This can require family members and loved ones to step in and decide how to provide the care these seniors need. A great option is at home senior care, this is something my mother does for people and the families are so grateful for the help.

Tough Decisions

For many seniors, they do not want to leave the comfort and familiarity of their home. However, it can be dangerous for them to continue to stay at their home alone. This can require family members to really assess the situation and determine the best options for their loved ones.

The level of care and needs for their loved ones must be considered. Family members must also consider the home itself. When there are issues with mobility, some homes are not very accommodating for such issues.

Fortunately, loved ones can get help from brandycare.com. Their team is experienced and can assist with the decision-making process to help find the best solution for each senior.

The limitations of each senior must be honestly assessed to determine their ability to care for themselves. Any issues with mobility must be addressed as well. Any hindrances that could pose a problem for these mobility issues should be explored to see if there is a corrective option available.

Family members must also consider providing companionship for the senior and potentially skilled care. The costs of these things must also be considered to ensure these steps are affordable. Even though it may be a difficult decision, sometimes an assisted facility is the best option.

The complete care and safety of the senior must be the priority in this process. If staying in the home is the right choice, then everyone will need to pitch in to help in the process.

Mobility Assistance

For seniors with mobility issues, the first step in providing a safe at-home environment is to assess their abilities and then take steps to make the home more accessible for them.

If walking and stairs are a problem, it could be a good idea to try to make everything on one level to eliminate many risks of falling. There are even lifts available that can be installed on stairs to help those with mobility issues move between floors and maintain their independence.

Clearing away clutter, obstacles, and unnecessary furniture can also make it easier to move through a home independently. Some other modifications that can assist with mobility issues can include widening doorways and adjusting doorknobs. Non-slip floor surfaces can also be a better alternative to carpeting.

Household Chores

For many seniors, keeping up with household chores can be a problem. Family members or even housekeeping staff can provide seniors assistance in getting various tasks around the home done.

It is important to continue to let them do what they can and enjoy but help them with the tasks that are more difficult for them. As their needs change, these tasks can be adjusted to accommodate their particular needs.

Hygiene

Bathing can be a major issue for some seniors. Bathrooms and showers can be very slippery. Even younger people slip and fall in the bathroom. Those with health and mobility issues are more at risk for these issues, including having more severe injuries from such a fall.

Some adjustments to the bathroom area can help make bathing a lot safer for seniors. Shower chairs are a great option for seniors. They provide a safe way to bathe without risks of falling or even becoming too fatigued while in the shower.

Anti-slip mats and grab bars can also be beneficial in helping aid seniors in maintaining their normal routine. Even a toilet riser or handrails can be a great option for seniors to allow easier access and safety in the bathroom.

Health Care

Another major concern is ensuring the senior is getting proper health care. This can include ensuring they take their medicines on time, identifying illnesses and issues early, or even helping them with various tasks and therapies.

For some of these tasks, family members can assist with these tasks or various items can be purchased to help with the issue. For example, there are devices that can remind a senior when they are to take their medications.

There are also home health aides and nurses available that can come to the home and assist with the various health needs of a senior. The professionals can assist with various medications and therapies that seniors may need throughout the day.

Companionship and Exercise

One common problem with seniors who live at home is that they may become isolated from others. Those with health or mobility issues may have difficulties getting out and doing the things they once enjoyed.

It can also be quite lonely and isolated living in a home alone. It is important that family members take steps to provide the companionship and exercise seniors need to maintain their physical and mental health.

Going on walks or playing games at various intervals throughout the day or week can make a big difference in a senior’s overall health. If family members are not available for these activities, there are home health care staff that can help with companionship.

Community Help

There are many resources available in the community that can assist with caring for a senior at home. Many senior facilities in the area can provide information to get help with devices and staff to help with the care of seniors.

There are also resources available to help with the cost of many of these needs. There are also benefits available from Medicare and private insurance companies that can help with the costs of any medical devices or personnel needed to help keep a senior safe at home.

With a little effort and utilization of available resources, many families can help provide seniors the ability to stay in their homes as they age. However, caring for an aging loved one can be a full-time job.

It is important that family caregivers take time to care for themselves to ensure they are able to care for their loved ones. No one can do everything on their own. Always get help when it is needed.

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Girl on Fire

Photographer at Loudmouth Photography

Brandy is the wife to a carpenter/musician and the mother of 3 amazingly awesome homeschool/unschooled girls. Brandy is a Photographer as well as a Coach for the Weebellion as part of Rolling Rebellion Jr. Roller Derby. Brandy is passionate about many things and suffers from a very painful and degenerative neurological disease called CRPS/RSD.

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