Have you ever taken the time to ask your dad what he wants as he ages? Like many older adults, he probably wants to stay in his current home and neighborhood. The problem is that as he gets older and his health needs change, you worry about him living alone.
It’s time to talk about ways to promote your dad’s need for independence without risking his safety. In-home care is one of the best ways to ensure this happens.
What Does Your Dad Do to Stay Independent?
In order to maintain his independence, what does your dad do? He probably pays his utility bills on time. What happens if he forgets? How long does he have before his power company, gas company, or water district cut off his access to those necessities?
Your dad has to shop for groceries and feed himself. He needs to be able to schedule his medical, dental, and self-care appointments. It’s important that he can get to those appointments at the right time.
At home, your dad needs to be able to safely walk around his home. If there’s a fire or emergency, he needs to know how to quickly evacuate, including optional routes out of the home if the main door is blocked.
He has to be able to make a phone call to get help if it’s needed. If he cannot do that or other tasks like cleaning his home, doing the laundry, showering, or taking his medications on time, he needs help from caregivers.
What Can In-Home Care Aides Help Him?
All of the things your dad has to do to maintain his independence are areas home care aides assist him with. Suppose he has a harder time sorting his mail by date. His caregiver can organize his mail and mark when a specific bill must be paid on a calendar.
In-home care can clean the home and make sure there’s no clutter blocking a door out of the house. They can ensure your dad has working smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. Monthly tests of these devices can be completed with a caregiver’s help.
Hire a caregiver to help your dad plan shopping lists, purchase necessities, and put things away before they spoil. Your dad’s meals and snacks can be prepared by his home care aide. If your dad can’t drive, his caregiver can and helps him run errands, get prescription refills, and take him to appointments.
Does your dad have a hard time remembering when it’s time to schedule his yearly check-up with his doctor? How about haircuts, eye exams, and dental exams? Hire caregivers to help him track those necessary appointments and get to them on time.
Your dad doesn’t need to give up his independence. With in-home care aides helping with the more challenging daily tasks, you have peace of mind and he gets his freedom to remain in his home. Call an in-home care specialist to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Littleton, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
