An in-home care consultation can help determine the ideal senior care solutions for loved ones.
You’ve just finished talking with Dad on the phone, and have a sense that something isn’t quite right. While it was a good chat, his memory lapses were alarming. He reassured you that he is perfectly fine – that he’s eating very well (although he could not recall what he had for lunch), taking his medications, and having no issue staying on top of the household chores. If you are interested in learning about senior care solutions that can help keep a loved one safe, a great first step would be to set up an in-home assessment from a trustworthy senior home care provider like Hearts at Home In-Home Care. This allows a highly trained, objective third party professional to talk to a senior within the comfort and familiarity of home, while assessing various critical areas.
The Older Adult’s General Wellbeing
Over the course of the consultation, the home care expert will learn how the older adult is feeling, both emotionally and physically.
- Is she or he lonely or bored?
- Physically active?
- Steady and balanced, or vulnerable for a fall?
Additionally, cognitive condition is considered.
- Is the older adult forgetful?
- Are there concerns with wandering, agitation, aggression, confusion?
- Does he or she seem capable of effectively managing the household?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
It’s very important for a senior living independently to be able to attend to daily tasks that fall under two categories: ADLs and IADLs.
ADLs include activities such as:
- Self-feeding
- Showering/bathing as well as other personal hygiene needs
- Getting dressed
- Utilizing the toilet
- Moving from bed to chair and throughout the home independently
IADLs are less fundamental, but nonetheless essential to independent living, and include:
- Housekeeping
- Planning and preparing meals
- Shopping and running errands
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Making and receiving phone calls
- Bill paying/money management
The Home Environment
The in-home consultant can also assess the senior’s living space for any possible risks and hazards, such as:
- Issues that may contribute to a fall: clutter, low-lying furniture, or cords in the older adult’s walking paths, stairways without proper handrails, no grab bars in the bathroom, loose throw rugs, and so much more
- If there are fresh foods available that aren’t past the expiration date, moldy, etc.
- Whether there are any signs of accidents, such as burn marks on the counters or scorched pots/pans
- Unopened mail piled up
- Dirty dishes stacked in the sink, or any other indicators of difficulty with maintaining the home to healthy standards
Based on the outcome of the assessment, the home care professional can create a customized care plan which will outline the ways an in-home caregiver can help overcome any difficulties being encountered. Often with just a little support, seniors can continue to live and thrive in the home where it’s most comfortable, with enhanced safety to bring families peace of mind, while never sacrificing the older adult’s freedom and independence.
Get in touch with Hearts at Home In-Home Care, provider of senior home care in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, to schedule for a free in-home assessment for an older adult you love today! You can connect with us any time online or give us a call at 913-440-4209 to learn more about senior care solutions.