4 Modifications You Can Make To Keep An Aging Loved One At Home

It is undoubtedly challenging to watch a loved one grow older and need assistance, but in-home care offers an avenue for that person to age with grace and dignity. A home care setting not only provides the familiarity and comfort of your loved one’s routine but has proven to have positive outcomes in delaying mental and physical decline allowing independence for as long as possible. Can a home really have as much to offer as a nursing facility? Senior care professionals like Caregiverlist can help you make the best decision and find in-home care options as their team of experts can connect you with professional caregivers near you and according to your specific needs. With a few adjustments, you can help create the perfect home care environment that blends function with comfort. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Make it easy to leave the house

It is enriching for your loved one’s body and mind to be able to participate in running errands, visiting family members, or going on other enjoyable outings. If he or she struggles with mobility, a Zinger Chair can be a great solution. He or she can feel confident maneuvering this special mobility chair, and it is incredibly easy for you or caretaker to fold up and place it in pretty much any type of vehicle. Outings can be more varied and plentiful when you are not relying upon a special van or equipment. The whole experience will feel much more normal and natural to your loved one.

2. Rethink the furniture arrangement

Your loved one can still enjoy the furniture that he or she has had for years, but you might have to reconfigure it in a way that a walker or wheelchair can easily fit through all of the spaces. Watch out for coffee tables and end tables with sharp corners that could catch onto a shin or cause your loved one to fall. Ensure that all seating has a sturdy back and armrests. Your loved one should feel confident moving about in the home. The more movement that he or she can do without help, the better! Routine use helps to preserve the muscles and can also help speed up recuperation if there has been an injury

3. It’s all in the details

Some minor additions can go a long way in helping seniors maintain a high level of independence in a home care setting. Add safety handles next to the toilet and bathtub and make sure surfaces are non-skid. A seat and removable showerhead can make getting clean much more comfortable. If the home has stairs, that might be a challenge. It is well worthwhile to install a chairlift. Make sure that outdoor spaces are also free of hazards and that walkers and wheelchairs have plenty of space to move around. A smooth paved path can help seniors to enjoy a garden. Add handrails by steps or wheelchair ramps if necessary. These small additions can really help your loved one to fully participate in daily activities and to not be completely housebound.

4. Incorporate the caregiver in the home

If your loved one is used to being completely on his or her own, it might be quite a shock to suddenly have someone in his or her personal environment. Even if your loved one enjoys the company of you or a trained caregiver, it can feel intrusive when a new person is now incorporated into even mundane tasks. If the caregiver has his or her own room or area, make it personal and give it more of a cozy guestroom vibe than a hospital room. Give the caregiver space for photographs and extra clothing. Clear a special area of the refrigerator for his or her food. By incorporating a caregiver into the household as a roommate and companion, your loved one will feel like it is still their space rather than feeling as though they are a patient at a hospital.

Assisted living at home can offer your loved one a way to enjoy their challenging twilight years. Not only do they have less risk of exposure to infection, but home care can provide an environment that encourages freedom and mobility, as well as plenty of brain stimulation when they can still participate in daily activities. With a few minor modifications, a home setting can be a safe and beautiful place to grow old and gray.