Did you ever wake up and realize, from the time you got out of bed, it was going to be “one of those days?” Maybe you overslept, tripped over the dog, and then remembered you were out of coffee. These small inconveniences, however, pale in comparison of what more than 50% of all adults in the U.S. are facing every day: life with long-term health conditions.
Whether it’s diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, or any of a great many other serious and debilitating health conditions, simply getting through everyday activities can be a struggle. And not surprisingly, these challenges make it hard to maintain an optimistic outlook on life.
Hearts at Home In-Home Care is able to assist in both of these areas. We provide hands-on support with the daily tasks that can become overwhelming, along with emotional support.
Making Activities of Daily Living Easier to Manage
Think through your own daily routine when you’re at home:
- A morning shower
- Preparing breakfast
- Making the bed
- Taking care of laundry
- Cleaning the house
- Fixing lunch
- Paying bills
- Running to the market along with other errands
- Organizing a closet
- Planning and making dinner
- Cleaning up again!
- Preparing for bed
Now just imagine trying to perform all of those tasks while being impacted by the side effects of chemotherapy; or in the midst of cognitive decline; or while pulling around an oxygen tank. An in-home caregiver can help with these and other mundane but necessary tasks, freeing up time and energy for the senior to relax and take part in enjoyable pastimes.
Lifting an Older Adult’s Spirits
It’s quite common for an individual battling a long-term health condition to struggle to maintain a life of joy and to fend off depression. Our caregivers provide cheerful companionship that lets seniors know they’re cared for. Through conversations, exercise programs, participating in interests and hobbies, and merely being there to listen when life feels discouraging, a caregiving companion brings a breath of fresh air into daily life.
The following advice can help someone with chronic health conditions to feel positive and hopeful:
- Find a sense of purpose. Having purpose in life is essential to our wellbeing. It’s a matter of helping a senior loved one find out what he or she is passionate about and pursuing that interest. Get creative in brainstorming ideas on how to make life more meaningful: serving others, learning something new, creating videos to record his or her history or life lessons to pass along to the next generation.
- Find reasons to be thankful. A very easy but effective way to improve positivity is by journaling. Encourage the senior to start off every day by listing a number of things he or she is grateful for: the scent of fresh blueberry muffins baking, the beauty of the sunrise, a planned lunch date with a good friend.
- Find activities outside of the home. When possible, help the older adult enjoy life away from home: a nail or hair appointment, a shopping trip, a visit with relatives and friends. Even a quick walk or time spent on the back deck can be worthwhile.
Learn More Ways Home Care Can Help
Call Hearts at Home In-Home Care any time at 913-440-4209 for more helpful tips for seniors with long-term health conditions. We would also love to come and meet with you in the comfort of your home to talk about additional ways that our caregivers can make each day the best it can be for older adults at home. To learn more about our home care in Overland Park, KS or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today.