An in-home care consultation offers help when caring for aging parents.
You’ve just finished speaking with Dad on the telephone, and now have a concern something is not quite right. Although it was a good conversation, his memory lapses were troubling. He assured you that he’s totally fine – that he’s eating very well (although he couldn’t recall what he had for lunch), taking his medications, and having no issue keeping up with the household chores. If you’re caring for aging parents and aren’t fully convinced that a loved one is wholly self-sustaining and safe, an excellent first step would be to schedule an in-home assessment from an established home care provider like Anthem Home Care, the Ingleside senior living experts. This enables a highly skilled, objective third party professional to talk to the person within the familiarity of home, while assessing various critical areas.
The Older Adult’s General Wellbeing
During the consultation, the home care expert will learn how the older adult is feeling, both physically and emotionally.
- Is she or he lonely or bored?
- Physically active?
- Balanced and steady, or at an increased risk for a fall?
Additionally, cognitive fitness is reviewed.
- Is the older adult forgetful?
- Are there concerns with wandering, agitation, aggression, confusion?
- Does she or he seem capable of successfully managing the household?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
It is very important for a senior living independently to be able to attend to everyday tasks that fall under two categories: ADLs and IADLs.
ADLs include activities like:
- Self-feeding
- Bathing/showering as well as other personal hygiene needs
- Getting dressed
- Utilizing the toilet
- Moving from bed to chair and throughout the house independently
IADLs are less fundamental, but nonetheless vital to independent living, and include:
- Housekeeping
- Planning and preparing meals
- Running errands and shopping
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Making and receiving phone calls
- Money management/bill paying
The Home Environment
The in-home consultant can likewise assess the senior’s living space for any potential hazards and risks, such as:
- Issues which could contribute to a fall: clutter, low-lying furniture, or cords in the older adult’s walking paths, stairways without proper handrails, no grab bars in the bathroom, loose throw rugs, and more
- If there are fresh foods available which are not beyond the expiration date, moldy, etc.
- Whether there are any indications of accidents, such as burn marks on the counters or scorched pots/pans
- Unopened mail piled up
- Dirty dishes stacked on the counters, or any other signs of problems with maintaining the home to healthy standards
Based on the outcome of the assessment, the home care professional can create a customized care plan that will outline how an in-home caregiver can help with any difficulties being encountered. Often with only just a little support, seniors can continue to live and thrive at home where it is most comfortable, with enhanced safety to bring families peace of mind, while never sacrificing the older adult’s freedom and independence.
Connect with Anthem Home Care, the Ingleside senior living experts, to arrange for a complimentary in-home consultation for an older adult you love today! You can reach us any time online or over the phone at 361-643-2323 to learn more about safely caring for aging parents. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Service Area page.