Family caregivers frequently hear about activities of daily living (ADLs) that home care can help seniors perform. However, it’s common to be unsure of what exactly this entails. These are seven of the most crucial activities of daily living your senior loved one may need assistance with as he or she ages.
1. Bathing and Grooming
Personal hygiene is critical for overall health in the golden years, and grooming goes far beyond just making seniors feel good about their appearance. Seniors need to bathe and groom regularly to prevent issues such as skin rashes and infections. Bathing gets more difficult with age, and some seniors may find it challenging to brush their hair if they lose strength and flexibility in their shoulders and arms.
2. Getting Dressed
Seniors also need to get dressed each day in clean clothes. While aging adults may prefer wearing comfortable clothes at home, they may need help getting dressed up for outings in public. Seniors can use dressing aids to dress independently, but they may need help with things such as tying their shoes.
3. Preparing Food and Eating
Meal preparation can take up a large portion of a senior’s day. Some seniors may have difficulty using knives and other utensils. Aging adults may also need someone to help them eat if they have health conditions that make it challenging to cut their food or swallow properly.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Lincoln, CA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Using the Restroom
Going to the bathroom is something many younger adults take for granted. However, the process of getting to the bathroom in time, undressing, and sitting down on the toilet is complicated for many seniors. Your loved one may need help with any of these parts of using the restroom. Seniors with incontinence may also need help with changing clothes and cleaning up.
5. Managing Household Tasks
Keeping up with household chores can seem endless. Your loved one may not be strong enough to push a vacuum or have sufficient balance to avoid slipping on a wet floor. Seniors often need help with general organization and grocery shopping as well.
When considering homecare services, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
6. Moving from One Place to Another
Moving around is another activity of daily living that can take several forms. Your loved one may need help transferring from a bed to a wheelchair or need someone to bring his or her walker if he or she suddenly has muscle weakness or a joint freezes up. Seniors with mobility challenges tend to like having caregivers around to help them move safely when they go to public spaces.
7. Engaging in Socialization
Talking to other people is another activity of daily living that shouldn’t be overlooked. While you may find yourself surrounded by different people each day, your loved one may not have so many opportunities if he or she stays home alone. Providing a caregiver gives your loved one someone to talk to while also having help with other daily activities.
For families living in Lincoln, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call us today at (916) 226-3737 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.