While the pandemic changed some older adults' views and attitudes, one thing didn't change. Almost four out of five older adults say that aging at home is their life goal. They don't have any plans to downsize, move to a retirement community, or leave their current home.

You've asked your dad and he's like them. He has spent decades making his home a comfortable spot. He likes his neighborhood and community. As he gets older and his health and mobility change, you may need to consider the benefits of senior home care.

Transportation and Appointments

Your dad no longer drives, but he still has errands to run and appointments to get to. You work full-time, as do your brothers and sisters. You can't get your dad to each appointment without taking time off work.

While you're fine taking a day off if it's a major appointment, his quick blood tests or blood pressure checks can get frustrating. Even though you know it's important. You can have a caregiver available to drive him to those appointments.

Plus, your dad's caregiver can take him shopping, help him run errands, and assist as he schedules follow-up appointments. You'll be updated with each appointment, so you're not missing out.

Grooming and Hygiene

Your dad has a hard time doing some of his personal care tasks. He can't bend over to trim his nails. When he tries to, he loses his balance and falls over. His shoulder arthritis makes it hard for him to wash his hair.

He can have a caregiver helping him with grooming and hygiene. His caregiver can remind him to brush and floss his teeth, try to use the toilet if he's experiencing incontinence, and help him get dressed after a shower.

Meal Preparation

Your dad has a hard time preparing meals for himself. He could have a caregiver at his home each week to talk to him about what he wants to eat and plan a menu. Once the menu is set, they can inventory his groceries, go shopping for the items he's missing, and put everything away back at home.

When it's time for a meal, your dad's caregiver cooks for him. He'll have a hearty meal and company while he eats.

Housekeeping and Laundry

Vacuuming and sweeping floors is a lot of work, and your dad's mobility and balance aren't great. His caregiver can clean the floors for him. Caregivers can also clean counters, wash dishes, dust, and tidy up.

On laundry day, he has a caregiver there to wash and dry his clothes and put them away. His caregiver can also change his sheets, make his bed with fresh sheets, fluff his pillows, and wash all of the sheets and towels in another wash load.

When you believe senior home care can help your dad remain independent as he ages at home, call an agency. Try to involve your dad in the discussions with an advisor as much as you can so that he feels that he's made the decisions. From there, arrange the senior home care services he needs.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Bel Air, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789.

Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/home-and-community-preferences-survey.html