Is Your Elderly Parent Struggling With Self-Care?

Watching your parents age can be incredibly difficult, especially as you watch their previously independent lifestyle start to decline. Illness, injury and chronic health issues can force your aging mom or dad to struggle with some of the most basic tasks around the home. At the same time, they may not be quite ready to move to a care facility. If you want your aging mom or dad to continue to live at home but reduce the struggles, consider hiring an elder care provider.

An elder care provider is a professional who is hired to be with the aging adult at home and lend a hand wherever it is needed. For example, if an aging adult is worried about falling in the shower and their arthritis makes it hard to get dressed, the elder care provider will assist in a professional and experienced manner if there is something the senior can do on their own, such as brushing their hair, the elder care provider will let it go and encourage the senior.

So, what does it take to ensure your elderly mom or dad remains safe and healthy while living at home, despite diminishing abilities? Here is a short list of all the things that an elder care provider can do for your aging parent:

• Help with showering by using assistive devices like shower chairs and handheld shower heads
• Grooming assistance, such as shaving, applying makeup, styling hair and applying lotion
• Hygiene help, such as brushing teeth, toileting and applying deodorant
• Dressing assistance, from putting on socks to buttoning shirts and buckling belts
• In-home mobility help, such as moving from room to room, adjusting seating and miscellaneous support
• Preparing meals, including healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks
• Light housekeeping, such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and dishes
• Laundry help, like running a few loads, folding and putting items away
• Pet care, such as feeding and watering the dog or cat
• Reminding seniors when to take prescription medication as instructed by the doctor
• Provide companionship to reduce loneliness and isolation
• Driving seniors to certain appointments, such as a doctor’s office
• Monitoring changes in health or behavior to notify family members
• On hand in case of an emergency, such as a slip and fall accident

You won’t go wrong in hiring in-home care for your aging mom or dad, especially when the signs are showing that they really do need some help. Reliable and professional elder care providers can be there for your loved one as they age gracefully in place. You’ll also feel better knowing that an experienced and compassionate assistant is with your elderly parent when you can’t be there. Consider hiring an elder care provider to keep your aging loved ones safe, healthy and occupied.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.