Written by Amber Merten
As loved ones age or recover from illness or injury, they may need more help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—the everyday tasks that allow them to live safely and comfortably at home. At Synergy HomeCare, we specialize in helping families provide this kind of care with dignity and respect. Whether your loved one needs a little extra help with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation, or full support with daily routines, our caregivers are here to make aging at home a positive and empowering experience.
Here’s a guide to help you care for your loved one with confidence and compassion.
1. Begin with Respect and Communication
Start by creating an open line of communication and explain what you’re doing before offering help. Ask your loved one how they prefer to be helped and always knock before entering private spaces.
A respectful, patient approach builds trust and allows your loved one to feel valued and in control.
2. Make the Home Safe and Comfortable
Home safety is the foundation of independent living. It helps prevent falls and gives your loved one peace of mind.
• Remove clutter and ensure walkways are clear.
• Add grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom.
• Keep essential items—like phones, glasses, and water—within reach.
• Improve lighting, especially in hallways and bathrooms.
3. Bathing and Toileting/Incontinence Care
These can be some of the most sensitive ADLs, so approach them with patience and compassion. Encourage your loved one to do what they can independently.
For Bathing:
1. Warm the room and gather all supplies before starting.
2. Use mild soaps and soft towels to avoid irritation.
3. Dry skin thoroughly and apply lotion to prevent dryness.
4. Consider a shower chair or handheld sprayer.
For Toileting:
1. Establish a consistent bathroom schedule.
2. Provide privacy and reassurance.
3. Use protective undergarments if necessary and maintain skin care to prevent irritation.
Maintaining dignity and compassion during this stage is essential to emotional well-being.
4. Dressing and Grooming
These daily tasks help your loved one maintain a sense of independence and pride as well as boost self esteem.
Step-by-step:
1. Lay out comfortable, easy to fasten clothes in the order they’ll be worn.
2. Offer choices—what to wear or how to style their hair—to support independence.
3. Assist with grooming tasks like brushing hair or shaving when needed.
5. Supporting Mobility and Transfers
Safe movement prevents injury and encourages independence. Have your loved one to do as much as they can while moving slowly. Communicate clearly with each step and bend your knees, not back, when helping with transfers.
At Synergy HomeCare, our caregivers are trained in safe transfer techniques to protect both clients and family members.
6. Encourage Independence and Emotional Connection
Caregiving is more than completing daily tasks—it’s about creating connection and preserving your loved one’s quality of life. Take time to share stories, listen, and simply be present. Even small moments of kindness and patience can brighten their entire day. And remember, it’s okay to take breaks and accept help when you need it—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Compassionate ADL Support from Synergy HomeCare
Helping your loved one with ADLs takes patience, time, and heart. But you don’t have to do it alone. Synergy HomeCare offers professional, compassionate home care services designed to make life easier for families and safer for loved ones who wish to remain at home.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your family, reach out to Synergy HomeCare today!
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Call us to find the home care solution that’s right for you.
850-661-0557
