At some point in our lives, we need to face the need for senior home care, either for our loved ones or for ourselves. How we approach the task can make the difference between a contented old age and heartache for us and our families. Thoughtful, honest discussions about the elder?s needs and preferences are essential to making this transition a success.
Take an honest look at what you or your loved one needs in terms of care. Ask yourself or your loved one how much help you realistically need to keep yourself and your house in order. If you're ill, can you still care for yourself? Do you need to make changes in your house to accommodate the changes age brings? As long as your home provides the facilities and safety needed, independence is easier to maintain.
Even a chronic illness doesn't mean a total loss of independence. If you can take care of your personal needs but can't manage cooking, errands, and housework on your own, you could be fine with part-time help.
But no matter how well we've taken care of ourselves, age imposes limitations that can be compounded by illness. A chronic debilitating condition necessitates in-home healthcare from someone who has the right background and training. You or your loved one will need someone with either licensed practical nursing or home health nursing training, preferably in the area of elder care.
Staying at home can make the difference between maintaining a good attitude toward aging and giving up. Avoiding stairs and keeping the sleeping, bathing, and living areas centralized is important. If your home isn't up to the task because it's two stories or lacks proper facilities, some creative thinking and prudent renovations can be the solution.
Some two-story homes only have a half bath on the ground floor. Even small bathrooms can usually accommodate a walk-in stall shower with a seat built in, which is far safer and more convenient for in-home care.
The beautiful spa tub you enjoyed when you were younger is not what you need in a one-level home. You need to be sure that you can bathe safely and conveniently, with or without assistance, and a walk-in shower is the best alternative.
Most of us have prided ourselves on going forward with projects or into new phases of our lives on our own. But aging is something that is done best with shared knowledge. Take advantage of the experience you doctor, your relatives, your friends, and even your acquaintances have in making old age comfortable and safe for the elderly in their lives. How you approach the problem makes all the difference in its result.
Take an honest look at what you or your loved one needs in terms of care. Ask yourself or your loved one how much help you realistically need to keep yourself and your house in order. If you're ill, can you still care for yourself? Do you need to make changes in your house to accommodate the changes age brings? As long as your home provides the facilities and safety needed, independence is easier to maintain.
Even a chronic illness doesn't mean a total loss of independence. If you can take care of your personal needs but can't manage cooking, errands, and housework on your own, you could be fine with part-time help.
But no matter how well we've taken care of ourselves, age imposes limitations that can be compounded by illness. A chronic debilitating condition necessitates in-home healthcare from someone who has the right background and training. You or your loved one will need someone with either licensed practical nursing or home health nursing training, preferably in the area of elder care.
Staying at home can make the difference between maintaining a good attitude toward aging and giving up. Avoiding stairs and keeping the sleeping, bathing, and living areas centralized is important. If your home isn't up to the task because it's two stories or lacks proper facilities, some creative thinking and prudent renovations can be the solution.
Some two-story homes only have a half bath on the ground floor. Even small bathrooms can usually accommodate a walk-in stall shower with a seat built in, which is far safer and more convenient for in-home care.
The beautiful spa tub you enjoyed when you were younger is not what you need in a one-level home. You need to be sure that you can bathe safely and conveniently, with or without assistance, and a walk-in shower is the best alternative.
Most of us have prided ourselves on going forward with projects or into new phases of our lives on our own. But aging is something that is done best with shared knowledge. Take advantage of the experience you doctor, your relatives, your friends, and even your acquaintances have in making old age comfortable and safe for the elderly in their lives. How you approach the problem makes all the difference in its result.
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