Elder care services help older adults remain independent, safe, and secure in their homes. Check out the range of home care services that are available to help your dad as he ages at home.
Personal Care
If your dad is having a tough time brushing and flossing his teeth, taking a shower, getting dressed, or shaving, elder care aides can help. They'll assist him with the grooming and hygiene tasks that he finds difficult. Things he can do on his own are left for him to do.
Medication Reminders
Elder care providers can remind your dad when it's time to take a pill. There may be special rules on how to take it, such as once a day, twice a day, with a meal, on an empty stomach, etc. If so, his caregiver helps him understand the instructions.
The other benefit to medication reminders is that the caregiver will alert you or the pharmacy when the prescription is running out. It gives you time to have it filled and picked up before your dad runs out.
Light Housekeeping
Light housekeeping tasks help your dad keep his home clean and organized. Caregivers can vacuum, dust, wash dishes, make beds, and change the sheets and towels. They can do the laundry, put everything away when it's washed and dried, and water plants.
Caregivers can also help water plants, take out trash and recycling, and sweep hardwood floors. They'll sanitize counters, sinks, and faucet handles.
Errands and Transportation
If your dad no longer drives, hire caregivers to drive him around. His caregiver can help him run errands, take him shopping, and bring him back home. Any packages are carried in with the caregiver's help.
On appointment days, your dad's caregiver can drive him to the appointment, bring him back home, and stop on the way if he needs a new prescription. He'll have the support and company he needs for successful appointment days.
Companionship
One of the biggest benefits of elder care is that your dad won't feel alone or isolated. He has someone stopping by to check on him each day, a few times a week, or once a week. You set an appropriate schedule for companionship visits.
Appointment Reminders and Scheduling
If your dad forgets that he has an appointment, his caregiver will remind him. His caregiver also helps him schedule appointments with his doctors and dentist. Your dad may find it difficult to navigate an online scheduling system, but it won't matter when he has his caregiver's help.
Does elder care sound like it would be useful as your dad ages in place? Gather a list of questions your family has and make a call. An elder care specialist will go over everything you need to know and help you get started if you want to sign your dad up for caregiver visits.