Beginner's Guide to Home Care

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Home Care Helps Seniors Cope with Loss of IndependenceHow to Help Seniors Cope with Increased DependencyRelying on other people’s assistance for basic tasks like bathing or common activities like driving can be frightening and frustrating for seniors.With the loss of independence, seniors also tend to lose some control over their schedule, freedom, preferences, and more. Caregivers canhelp make decreased independence more bearable using strategies like these:Maintain a Standard of DignityRequiring assistance with activities like bathing or shopping does not mean that seniors need to give up their dignity. Caregivers should alwaysguard seniors’ privacy. It is also wise to use the terms a senior does when referencing body parts, activities, or even hygiene products.Ask Instead of TellingCaregiving for someone who has lost a type of independence is a supportive role, not a leading role. Caregivers should ask seniors about theirpreferences, needs, etc., instead of telling them. For example, if a senior cannot cook for themselves, a caregiver should ask for input for mealplanning.Give Options for CaregivingSince dependence requires trust and can be very personal in nature, it is important for seniors to have choices. Learn if a senior prefers samesexcaregivers, certain routines, etc.Stay Organized and ConsistentDependence means a loss of control. Seniors have to wait on others for assistance, which can be stressful. Caregivers should remain consistentin their routine so that seniors don’t need to be anxious about when or how their care will be provided. Organize necessary materials so theyare accessible to seniors who cannot mobilize independently as well.Home Care Tip:Many seniors fear losing their independence more than they fear death. Realizing this fear can lead to depression in seniors. Know thesymptoms of depression and help seniors get medical care if they exhibit signs of this mental illness. Gulfshore Home Care caregivers areskilled in helping our clients lead digni ed lifestyles no matter their levels of independence. If you think you and/or your loved one may bene tfrom home health care services contact Gulfshore Home Care today to learn more.Does your Loved One Need In-Home Health Care?
Home Care Helps Seniors Cope with Loss of IndependenceHow to Help Seniors Cope with Increased DependencyLoss of Some Independence- Isn't loss of Full IndpendenceAs important as it is for your parent to be independent, that does not mean they don’t need special care. However, that doesn’t mean you wantsomeone to wait on them hand and foot, discouraging them from being independent. That is when you need the type of home health careworker who will understand your parent’s need for independence. At Gulfshore Home Care, we go the extra mile to ensure that your parent hasthe quality home health care they need to maintain their health while still being their own person.One of the strangest parts of your parents getting older is the element of role reversal. When you were young, they took care of you, makingsure that you were fed, clothed, and safe. Now that your parent is no longer able to fully take care of themselves, you must now step up. Formany adult children, this can be overwhelming, but it is also rewarding. However, just because you are caring for them, doesn’t mean that itisn’t important for them to have independence. As your parent is more and more reliant on you, it is of even greater importance to them thatthey have autonomy over their lives in some capacity. Independent seniors have richer, fuller, happier, and healthier lives than those who feelcompletely dependent on their caregivers. It is crucial that you make a point to prioritize their independence so that they are healthy, bothmentally and physically. In this blog, we will explain exactly why it is so important for their health.Mental HealthImagine being your parent right now. They have lived as a fully self-reliant adult for years up until recently. Now, as they age, what was oncequite simple to do is much more di cult. They can’t rely on themselves to complete many tasks, and some of them might be as straightforwardas buttoning their own shirt. This feeling of being less capable of caring for themselves makes many seniors feel depressed, embarrassed, andfrustrated. They may feel like they are useless now, and for some seniors, these feelings of loss can translate to the desire to end their life.With home care helping their independence, however, seniors are able to feel a sense of control over themselves and their lives. They are ableto maintain dignity and a sense of hope, which in turns, makes them more emotionally healthy and happier with their life.Physical HealthA lack of full independence does not only impact the mental health of seniors, but also their physical health. The more dependent they are onother people, the less likely seniors are to challenge themselves. They have low expectations of what they can do, and as a result, they don’t getout there and participate in physical activity. This causes their physical health to decline. However, the more independent a senior can be withhome care, the more active they can be. We are at our most healthy when we are active, so by encouraging independence in your parent (whileunder professional home care supervision), they will be better able to join in on physical activities.Does your Loved One Need In-Home Health Care?
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