What does your dad do every day? He's retired and has a lot of free time. Can you tell if he's bored or lonely? Is he struggling with activities of daily living? If you suspect he is, it's a good time to look at the home care services designed to improve his daily life.
Housework Is Done for Him
Your dad isn't used to doing the housework. He can wash his dishes and run the vacuum, but he's never had to do his laundry or remove stains from the counter. With home care services, he has the help he needs with daily housekeeping.
He Has Help With Medications
One of the essential things your dad does every day is to take his prescription medications. Without his heart medications, he puts his life at risk. Yet, he constantly forgets to take his pill when he gets up.
Home care aides are there at the specified hour. They remind him it's time to take his pill. His caregivers also make sure medication refills are requested on time, so you never have to worry about him running out of pills.
Someone Cooks His Meals
Your dad relies on frozen meals and takeout. He knows it's not the healthiest option, but it's what he can manage. You've tried cooking meals for him to reheat, but the quality isn't the same.
He can have caregivers stop by and cook meals for him. He eats the meals he wants without having the excess salt, sugar, or saturated fat that some packaged meals and snacks add.
There's another benefit to having a caregiver preparing meals. Your dad has someone to help him plan a weekly menu, create a grocery list, and shop for the items he needs. He never has to struggle to read labels at the store. His caregiver can also help with food storage and organization.
Companionship Services Keep Him From Feeling Lonely
Your dad is alone all day. When you're at work, he calls regularly. You can't keep dealing with interruptions, but you also don't want him to feel alone and lonely.
Companionship services work by having a caregiver spend time with your dad. He has a person with him as often as is desired. His caregiver can be there to play games, help him with hobbies. His companion can take him to stores, restaurants, and local attractions.
Schedule home care services with a local agency. Make the call, discuss your dad's limitations and abilities, and work together to create a care plan that meets his needs. A home care specialist is happy to help you create a home care plan that matches his needs.