The primary tasks most people take on without assistance can be challenging for aging adults, which is why family caregivers should step up and help out. The crucial aspects of daily living can affect mental, physical, and emotional health. Continue reading to learn about the most important tasks of daily living and what you can do to help your senior parent complete each activity.
Functional Transfers
Getting in and out of bed, going to the restroom, getting up from a living room chair, or walking around in public may be difficult as your loved one’s bone health decreases and he or she manages issues such as joint and muscle pain, poor posture, or slower movement. Your parent might rely on a medical device such as a wheelchair or cane to move and perform daily activities. You may need to assist with mobility-related tasks by lifting your loved one from the bed or couch or allowing him or her to lean on you for support when navigating the home.
Oral Hygiene
When it comes to brushing his or her teeth, your loved one may need assistance with holding the toothbrush, reaching difficult areas, and rinsing. Your loved one may also rely on you to provide a reminder when his or her current toothbrush needs to be tossed and replaced. For many seniors, oral hygiene also includes maintaining dentures. For example, cleaning, rinsing, and storing the dentures can be challenging for older adults with poor vision or memory issues that lead to significant mishaps, such as using toothpaste instead of commercial cleanser to clean the dentures. Good oral hygiene is essential for seniors because it allows them to eat the foods they enjoy comfortably and smile with confidence.
If your loved one needs help with everyday tasks such as oral hygiene, bathing, and grooming, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful addition to your caregiving team. When considering homecare services, 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.
Household Chores
Cleaning the home prevents clutter buildup that increases the risk of falls and broken bones, and it reduces bacterial exposure. Cleaning the walls and other hard-to-reach places may be difficult as your loved one ages, which is why you should assist with household chores. Ensuring your loved one’s dishes, clothing, and rooms are clean could lead to better hygiene and prevent issues such as food poisoning and infections. Many families also hire home caregivers who come by daily or a few times each week to assist with basic household chores.
Anchorage senior home 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.
Mental Stimulation
Keeping the memory sharp and boosting cognitive skills are critical to healthy aging. Create a list of mentally stimulating activities your loved one can enjoy, such as doing arts and crafts, listening to music, learning a new language, reading, and playing sports. A large number of aging adults live with neurological conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, and they need to maintain social connections and engage in mentally stimulating activities to slow the progression of these disorders. If this is the case for your parent, you’ll need to be present when your loved one engages in mentally stimulating activities to increase safety and manage combativeness.
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. Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance is a leader 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. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.