It’s hard to take care of a senior parent when they live far away. If you’re worried about your senior parent being safe at home because you can’t be there as much as you’d like to take care of them, senior home care is an option you should consider.
Getting senior home care for your parent is a loving way to make sure that your parent can keep their independence without putting their health and safety at risk. A home care provider will visit your senior parent daily or on a set schedule to help with a variety of household tasks that your parent has trouble with.
With senior home care, your parent has someone in the home to help them prepare meals, get things off shelves safely, put away groceries, and so much more. If your senior parent has joint problems, arthritis, or other health problems that make it difficult for them to perform everyday movements, having help at home will make a huge difference in their safety and comfort.
And because every senior has different abilities and physical challenges, home care is flexible. As your parents’ needs change, so can their home care. Some of the things that home care providers can do for seniors to make life at home safe are:
Reaching for Items on Shelves
Many kitchens and closets have storage areas that are too high or too low for seniors who have limited reach. Seniors who try to reach for these items may need to stretch, climb, or bend, which can cause them to lose balance and fall. Even using a step stool can be unsafe if your senior parent has poor balance.
A home caregiver can keep your senior parent safe by organizing items so they are within easy reach. They can also fetch things from high shelves and put them back after use. This simple support helps prevent accidents and keeps daily life running smoothly.
Lifting Heavy Items from the Refrigerator or Pantry
Taking a large container of juice, milk, or leftovers out of the fridge might not seem difficult, but these items can be heavy and awkward to handle for seniors with poor grip strength or poor muscle strength.
Dropping an item can cause spills, broken glass, or even injuries from bending down to clean it up. A caregiver can step in to safely handle heavy groceries, move items around in the refrigerator, and make sure everything is easy to access without strain.
Cleaning Up Spills
Slippery floors are one of the biggest fall hazards for seniors. If a drink spills or food drops on the floor, bending down to clean it up can be difficult and dangerous. A caregiver can respond right away to clean spills thoroughly, making sure the floor is safe and dry.
They can also keep an eye out for clutter, cords, or rugs that might increase the risk of tripping. Keeping walkways clear and floors clean is one of the simplest but most important ways caregivers protect seniors at home.
Taking Out the Trash
Garbage bags can get heavy, especially when filled with food waste or other bulky items. Carrying them outside often requires walking over uneven ground, climbing steps, or going out in bad weather. And rolling a trash barrel to the curb can be downright impossible if it’s full.
For seniors with balance problems, this can be risky. A caregiver can safely gather the trash, tie up the bags, and take them out to the bins. They can also replace the liners and wipe down the trash area, keeping the home clean.
Putting Away Groceries
Bringing in groceries from the car or front step and putting them away can be a challenge. The bags are often heavy, and items must be placed in cabinets that may be too high or too low.
A caregiver can make grocery shopping easier and safer by carrying bags inside, sorting food, placing items within easy reach, and storing heavier things in safe locations.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Palm Beach County, FL, please contact the caring staff at Elite Senior Home Care today at (561) 570-6613
