Is your elderly loved one getting older and needing more and more help with daily living activities. This happens to many elderly adults and it is nothing for them to feel ashamed of. As a family caregiver, you should keep an eye out for the things that your elderly loved one needs. They might not specifically tell you everything that they need help with. If they already have an elderly care provider to help with some things, make sure they are looking out for other things, as well.
List of Activities of Daily Living
There are many things that your elderly loved one might need help with throughout their day. Some of these things include the following:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Eating
- Continence
- Transferring
- Meal Preparation
- Transportation
- Communication
- Taking and managing medications
- Housework
- Shopping
- Finances
These are some things that your elderly loved one might need help with. If you or their elderly care providers notice they need more help with these things, it is time to set up a plan to figure out how to best assist them.
Independence Level
The more that your elderly loved one needs help, the less independence they may have. This might mean they need more assistance from you or elderly care providers. Some of the things you can ask to check on your loved one’s independence level include the following:
- Does your elderly loved one need help to take a bath or shower?
- Does your elderly loved one need help to brush their teeth or hair?
- Is your elderly loved one having difficulties getting themselves dressed?
- Is your elderly loved one having a tough time swallowing foods without cutting up the food first?
- Does your elderly loved one need help going to the bathroom?
- Is your elderly loved one having accidents (not making it to the toilet in time or not having control over their bladder or bowels)?
- Is your elderly loved one often asking for help getting them up and down from chairs or from bed?
- Does your elderly loved one need transportation to and from appointments?
- Is your elderly loved one still able to prepare their own meals?
- Is your elderly loved one still able to use the phone without help?
These are some of the best questions to ask to figure out what type of help your elderly loved one needs.
If your elderly loved one does need help with daily living activities, make a plan today to give them the extra assistance they need.