The goal of home care is to provide your parents with the help they need. What you don’t want is for them to feel like a burden or embarrassed that they need assistance with daily routines. The most important home care services vary from one person to the next. These are some of the services that help most seniors age at home.

Transportation

Slower reaction times, difficulty with night driving, and restricted movement in the neck or back impact the ability to drive safely. If your parents are experiencing any of that or have been told not to drive, they need someone to take over. Caregivers do that.

They can have a caregiver escort them to appointments. Their caregivers can take them shopping or out to lunch. They get to enjoy being passengers and letting someone else deal with the traffic.

Housekeeping

Some of your parents’ housework is probably still manageable for them. Some chores get harder. Carrying a vacuum up and down the stairs is one of them. Sweeping under sofas and chairs is another.

They may struggle to carry a full hamper down to the basement on laundry day. Dusting high spots may also be a problem. Caregivers can do these harder tasks for them.

Cooking Meals

If the joints in the hands are affected by arthritis, you may find your parent has a harder time using a knife. Slicing meats and vegetables for stews, soups, and stir-fried dishes seems impossible now. As a result, they’re eating takeout or prepared meals more often.

Caregivers can cook healthier meals for them. They get to enjoy the foods they love without struggling to prepare them. The last thing you want is for your dad to cut himself while trying to properly grip a knife while slicing raw carrots. Caregivers eliminate that fear.

Medication Reminders and Refills

It’s common for an older adult to have several prescription medications. High blood pressure, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes are some of the reasons your parents may need to take daily medications. If they’re forgetting to take their pills each morning, it can lead to serious health issues.

With caregivers to remind them to take their medications at the appropriate time, the risk is eliminated. Plus, caregivers can order refills and pick them up as needed. You don’t have to worry about your parents running out on a day the pharmacy is closed.

Home care is ideal at helping your parents age at home. The right services aid them and reduce the worry you experience when they live alone. Learn how home care services help them remain safe while also retaining independence for as long as possible.

If you or an aging loved one is considering homecare in Middleburg, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.