For seniors with physical and cognitive challenges, living alone can become difficult. If your elderly loved one has begun finding the tasks of daily living more challenging, he or she may benefit from the in-home assistance of a professional caregiver. To help family members understand whether home care is a good fit for their loved ones, here are some of the ways senior home care can promote elderly health.
1. Nutritious Meals
Freshly prepared and home-cooked meals are almost always healthier than prepared or prepackaged foods. For seniors with cognitive and mobility challenges, grocery shopping and safely preparing meals may be difficult, resulting in aging adults eating unbalanced meals and unhealthy foods. A professional caregiver can assist with both of these tasks, ensuring your loved one regularly eats healthy and wholesome meals. Additionally, if your loved one has diabetes, lactose intolerance, or other health conditions, a professional caregiver can prepare dishes that match your parent’s unique dietary requirements.
When considering in-home care, Carmichael, CA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
2. Companionship
As seniors are often unable to leave their homes independently, they’re more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Since a caregiver will be carefully matched with your loved one to create a foundation for a meaningful relationship, your loved one may find his or her caregiver is also an excellent companion. As a result, selecting home care can mitigate some of the negative emotions your loved one may experience living alone.
3. Transportation
Whether your parent needs to go to the doctor or a nearby senior center, having safe and dependable transportation provides peace of mind for your loved one and can promote his or her quality of life. As a caregiver can provide transportation to your loved one’s favorite places and social gatherings as well as for general errands, having a caregiver in the home means your loved one can safely maintain many of his or her routine activities.
4. Medication Reminders
Taking medications on schedule is important for your loved one’s health, which is why professional caregivers are vigilant about providing medication reminders. While caregivers don’t administer medication, having someone around to remind your loved one to take his or her prescriptions can ensure he or she stays healthy.
5. Hygiene
Failing to bathe each day and take care of their hygiene can put seniors at risk for infections. If you notice your loved one hasn’t bathed, brushed his or her teeth, combed his or her hair, or washed his or her clothing, this could be a warning sign of needing more assistance, including in-home care. Having someone help with grooming and other hygiene necessities could increase your loved one’s quality of life.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Carmichael, CA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
6. Faster Recoveries
If your loved one needs some extra assistance following a recent illness, injury, or surgery, home care allows him or her to recover in the comfort of home. Research suggests older adults recover more quickly when they are able to recuperate at home.
Personalized attention from a highly trained, experienced caregiver is one of the most important reasons seniors and their families turn to professional in-home care. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of the knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers at Home Care Assistance today at (916) 485-4663.