Falls are the biggest concern that seniors and their families have when it comes to seniors living on their own. And every year a huge number of seniors are injured falling at home, but home care can help reduce the risk for your parent.
Home care is a great way to make sure that your aging parent has the extra support they need as they get older. A home care provider can help your parent get around the house safely. And they can do the chores that are getting to be too dangerous or difficult for your parent to do.
Why Seniors Need Home Care
Even if you live close enough to your parent to see them regularly, you may not be able to be there every time they need help. As seniors get older they may have muscle weakness, pain, or medical challenges that make even simple tasks like filling a glass with water or cooking a meal difficult.
A home care provider can visit your parent every day, so you can be sure that your parent has someone in the home with them to help with chores and tasks like:
Doing laundry and putting clothes away
Laundry can quickly become overwhelming for your parent, especially if they have limited strength or mobility.
Carrying a heavy basket, bending down to load or unload a washer, and standing for long periods can be tiring or even unsafe. Many seniors fall when trying to carry a laundry basket down the stairs, or try to reach for a container of laundry soap.
Small steps like sorting clothes, adding detergent, and moving items between machines can be difficult or dangerous for a senior that is unsteady on their feet.
A home care provider can take care of the full process, from washing and drying to folding and putting clothes back where they belong. Clean, fresh clothing also helps your parent feel more comfortable and confident each day.
Changing bed sheets and making the bed
Changing sheets is more physically demanding than it seems. It often requires lifting a mattress corner, stretching across the bed, and tucking in tight spaces. If you’ve ever wrestled with a fitted sheet, you know how physically taxing that fight can be.
Your parent may not have the strength, balance, or flexibility to do this safely. As a result, they may go too long without clean bedding. A home care provider can regularly change the sheets, fluff pillows, and make the bed neat and comfortable.
Shopping for groceries and running errands
Getting out to the store is tiring and difficult for aging seniors who no longer drive. Your parent may find it difficult to walk long distances, stand in lines, or carry bags.
Even small errands like picking up prescriptions or household supplies can become stressful. A home care provider can handle grocery shopping so that your parent doesn’t risk falling getting in and out of the car or walking on uneven sidewalks.
Sweeping and mopping floors
Sweeping and mopping require standing, bending, and moving around the house with steady balance. Wet floors can also increase the risk of slipping.
Your parent may avoid these tasks if they are worried about slipping and falling, which can lead to dust buildup or sticky surfaces. A home care provider can take care of regular floor cleaning, helping keep the home safe and pleasant. Clean floors also reduce the chance of falls caused by dirt, clutter, or spills.
Washing dishes and keeping the kitchen tidy
Dishes can pile up quickly, especially if your parent feels too tired to wash them right away. Standing at the sink for long periods or reaching into cabinets can be uncomfortable.
Over time, a cluttered kitchen can become frustrating and harder to use. A home care provider can wash dishes, load and unload the dishwasher, and keep surfaces clear. This makes the kitchen easier to move around in and safer for your parent if they have mobility challenges.