We don’t often realize what we have until it’s gone, whether it’s the range of movement to walk down the stairs to access a laundry room or the ability to wash dishes without a flare-up of arthritis pain. Many simple tasks required for living alone can seem insurmountable. Those tasks can be even more difficult when recovering from an injury, living with illness, or aging in place. When buying a home, many people don’t think far enough ahead to wonder how their house will suit them if they are injured or aging. A house with multiple stories can be wonderful when you’re younger. However, all those steps become problematic (or even a safety hazard) as the years go on. Hurdles like these are all part of what makes aging in place difficult for many seniors. But in-home care can help.
Mobility Assistance
A reduction in balance, muscle strength, bone density, or the ability to comfortably walk can impact a person’s ability to live an independent and fulfilling life. Nineteen million people report having problems with mobility and are statistically more likely to be living alone. This can be a bad combination, as struggling with mobility can dramatically increase a person’s risk of falls.
It might seem counterintuitive, but the people who are at the most significant risk for a severe fall are those with minor problems getting around, rather than moderate or substantial. People who are more active are more often in situations where they’ll be at risk for a fall and might be less wary of the danger. Of course, falls can be so devastating that it’s far better to take preventative steps before they seem necessary rather than waiting for the worst to happen. And mobility issues don’t only afflict seniors; a third of people with restricted mobility first started struggling at 50 years or younger.
There are many mobility-related services in-home care can provide, depending on your level of need. If you use a wheelchair, a caregiver can help you get around in and out of the house, clear obstructions, reach hard-to-get objects, and rearrange your living space to better suit your needs. Transportation is another essential part of independence, and a caregiver is an excellent resource if you cannot drive yourself. Mobility issues don’t have to keep you stuck at home with nothing to do; an in-home caregiver can give you the tools to continue living life to the fullest. Independent living isn’t just about getting by; it’s about continuing to thrive.
Homemaking Services
With age, tending a house can become a difficult task. Arthritis makes washing dishes, cooking, and other daily chores painful and unpleasant; strength and balance issues cause further problems in tasks such as laundry or vacuuming. Keeping track of meal planning and housework can be extremely difficult for people with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other cognitive impairments. In time, an inability to clean or care for a home can create serious health and safety issues such as tripping hazards or a risk of food poisoning from expired ingredients.
Our caregivers can assist with a wide variety of daily chores and tasks. Changing linens and making the bed, dressing assistance, laundry, and ironing help people feel cleaner and tidier at home. When it comes to food, almost everyone struggles to develop a healthy and varied meal plan; seniors may face additional difficulties due to a declining sense of taste. Caregivers can help plan weekly meals based on preference and dietary needs, take over grocery shopping and cooking, and then clean up again afterward. These tasks may be simple, but they’re crucial in helping a loved one feel comfortable and taken care of at home. Just because a person can no longer do routine housework themselves doesn’t mean they’re no longer fit to live at home.
Independent Living: A Spectrum of Need
Living at home with mobility, memory, or other health issues can present unique problems. An in-home caregiver can be the best solution no matter what level of care you require. Whether you’re a family caregiver in need of respite visits or looking for 24/7 care, Generations Home Care is here to help. Our in-home care services make us a great fit for a wide variety of clients, whether you need memory care, aging in place, or just need a pair of helping hands around the house.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care personalized in-home care and support services help those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier, and independent life.
Our caregivers are trained in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Generations Home Care takes a holistic approach and emphasizes a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.
