What is independence to an older adult? It’s defined as the ability to make your own decisions, choose what happens in your life, and being able to complete daily tasks without risk of injury or distress. As your dad’s health changes, what is he going to need to retain his independence?
Ask Your Dad For Input
The very first step is to talk to your dad about his wishes as he gets older. As his health changes, what are his goals? Is he going to want to downsize to a smaller single-level home or does he love the memories in his two-level Victorian and want to age in place?
As you discuss his plans, grab some paper and start taking notes. You want him to have his wish, but where is he struggling? If he has a home with steep stairs, is he still able to go up and down them without getting tired or experiencing knee or hip pain? Is he able to clean all of the levels in that home, or does he ignore all but the main floor?
How is his health? Does he have illnesses or health conditions that require him to go to more medical appointments than normal? Is he taking medications? Take your notes and start to talk to him about home care.
Explore the Different Home Care Options
Start to explore the different services that are offered by home care aides. What would help your dad remain independent? If he struggles with household chores like laundry, dishes, and vacuuming, housekeeping services are ideal.
He no longer drives, so he often runs out of groceries before you’re free to take him. His caregiver can help her build a shopping list, go shopping, and bring everything in when they’re back home. He’ll have someone to drive him to the barber, his doctor’s office, or his dental practice.
Would your dad feel more comfortable with daily showers if someone was nearby to help support him while he steps over the edge of the tub? Caregivers can do that. They can also help him dry off, trim his nails, apply moisturizer, shave, and brush and floss his teeth.
A home care aide can cook his meals each day. If he has a hard time slicing, chopping, and mincing ingredients, he won’t have to struggle. Your dad will enjoy home-cooked meals that meet his dietary needs.
When a meal is ready, your dad doesn’t have to eat alone. His caregiver can sit with him while he eats. After breakfast, lunch, or dinner, his caregiver will wash dishes, clean the counters, and run the dishwasher if needed.
Home care is designed to help your dad live independently with a helping hand available for the challenges he faces. Arrange home care services to help your dad with the driving, his housework, medication reminders, or whatever he needs as he ages at home.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Castle Pines, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
