Seniors can often stay in their own homes as they age quite comfortably with help from in-home care providers. Having in-home care means that your parent will have daily visits from a caregiver they trust who can give them the kind of support that you can’t.
If you live too far away to visit your parents often, or if your work schedule or child care responsibilities mean that you can’t help them every day, in-home care is a great option.
Your parent can continue to live where they want to live, and you won’t worry about them being at home alone. In-home care can help seniors, especially seniors with health challenges, continue to be independent if that’s what they want.
Your parent may want to stay in the home where they have a lifetime of memories, or have neighbors they can count on. If they have in-home care, they will have the extra support they need to live at home safely and comfortably.
What’s Included With In-Home Care?
An in-home care provider helps seniors with a wide range of daily activities, from cooking meals to running errands.
Some of the things that an in-home caregiver can do for your parent are:
Preparing healthy meals
Cooking can become difficult for many seniors. Standing for long periods, lifting heavy pots, or remembering cooking times may be challenging. Some seniors also forget to eat or choose foods that are not very healthy.
A home care provider can help plan and prepare simple, nutritious meals. They can cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner and make sure your parent has healthy snacks available. They may also help with special diets if your parent has diabetes, heart problems, or other health conditions.
Light housekeeping
A clean home is important for safety and comfort. However, chores like vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning bathrooms can be physically demanding for seniors.
A home care provider can handle light housekeeping tasks that keep the home tidy and safe. This may include sweeping floors, wiping kitchen counters, taking out the trash, and cleaning spills. They can also help reduce clutter that could cause a fall.
Doing laundry
Laundry can be surprisingly difficult for older adults. Carrying heavy baskets, bending to reach the washer or dryer, and folding clothes may cause strain or balance problems.
A home care provider can wash, dry, and fold your parent’s clothes, towels, and bedding. They can also help change bed sheets regularly so the bed stays clean and comfortable.
Grocery shopping and putting food away
Getting groceries can be a big challenge for seniors who no longer drive or have trouble walking through large stores. Carrying heavy bags can also be risky.
A home care provider can shop for groceries, either with your parent or on their behalf. They can help choose healthy foods and make sure important items are always available at home.
After shopping, they can put groceries away safely and check expiration dates on food in the refrigerator and pantry. This helps prevent spoiled food and ensures your parent has what they need for meals.
Washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean
After meals, dishes and kitchen cleanup can quickly pile up. Dirty dishes can attract pests and make the kitchen feel unpleasant.
A home care provider can wash dishes, load and unload the dishwasher, wipe down tables and counters, and keep the sink area clean. They may also help organize the kitchen so that frequently used items are easy to reach.
Taking out the trash
One of the most common ways that seniors fall at home is while trying to do household chores like taking out the trash. Carrying a full trash bag or trying to wheel a full trash cart to the street can cause seniors to strain muscles or lose their balance.
And walking outside in all kinds of weather can increase the chance that your parent will fall on a slippery sidewalk or in the driveway. But an in-home care provider can take care of the trash, including bringing the barrel to the street and back on trash day, so that your parent can stay safely inside.