It is up to both your loved one's medical team and the family members closest to them to keep a close eye on any changes that may affect the ability to safely complete activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. There are a number of warning signs your loved one may display or exhibit that may prompt you to seek outside help:
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Physical problems
- Gait, stability (walking problems)
- Sensory issues (a loss or decline in hearing, seeing, smelling)
- Chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis)
- Temporary or permanent physical limitations that may inhibit the senior's ability to perform ADLs
Cognitive problems Confusion
- Memory loss
- Attention problems
- Forgetting to take meds on time, at the right time, or at all
- Language problems
- Dementia
Emotional problems Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Loneliness
- Changes in personality (irritable, angry, moody, etc.)
- Loss of interest in activities
Although our caregivers do not dispense medication, they are still able to assist with medications. This includes providing reminders of when to take their next dose, as well as opening containers and reading labels. These helpful reminders safeguard that your loved ones are taking their medications as prescribed.
Our caregivers work closely with seniors to provide in-home care. This allows them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. It also ensures they are well taken care of, from grooming to household chores. Having our caregivers in your home is an excellent way to balance the wants and needs of aging seniors.
Grooming Guidance
Paying particular attention to grooming can help a senior feel and look better. As a person ages, grooming can sometimes present physical challenges. Our caregivers assist clients with shampooing, shaving (Using Electrical Shaving), hair combing and styling, and other grooming needs so seniors can look and feel their best.
Toileting and Incontinence Care
We understand the sensitive nature of toileting and incontinence care for our clients. Without proper help, seniors can face many issues. These may include skin infections, unpleasant odors, and general hygiene problems. Our caregivers offer compassionate, dignified help with these personal aspects of daily living.
Conversation and Companionship
Studies prove that seniors who stay social and engaged have a better quality of life. They also have a lower tendency to develop depression and general cognitive decline. Our caregivers provide friendly company, conversation, and mealtime companionship - a fantastic way to keep your loved ones engaged and upbeat.
Transportation
Being out and about benefits a senior's mind, body, and spirit. It's an integral part of Getcare Continuum Home Nursing Care. For older adults unable to drive, our caregivers assist/help/provide transportation incidental to other services, such as medical appointments, barbershops, beauty salons, and shopping. Just about anywhere your senior wants to go, our caregivers can help them get there.
Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet can impact well-being and vitality across the board. In fact, many of our seniors have prescribed meal plans they must stick to for health reasons. Whether you're looking for help adhering to a special diet or just want to improve nutrition, our caregivers can help. They also provide companionship, turning meals into social time by engaging with seniors while they eat. The positive environment helps them feel more relaxed. Supervision also makes certain your loved ones get proper nourishment.
Our caregivers help certain clients stay on prescribed diets to prevent or control a wide variety of medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Our caregivers also help clients eat nutritious menus to promote disease prevention, healing, and healthy living. We make an extra effort to turn meals into enjoyable social time by engaging our clients in conversation over food.
Transferring and Positioning
One of our top priorities is helping our clients move around their homes. This may include getting in and out of bed, chairs, and wheelchairs. Proper transferring and positioning can contribute to reducing bedsore risks. This also helps reduce muscle atrophy, while encouraging proper breathing and digestion. It can also lower the risk of falls and injuries, as well as keep our clients as comfortable as possible.
Mobility Assistance
Remaining active in your golden years is one of the best ways to maintain the quality of life. Our caregivers help seniors remain active by assisting them in getting from place to place in comfort and safety.
Grooming, and Hygiene
Getacare goal is to assist our clients with their personal care routines so they can look and feel their best. Studies have proven how effective and positive it is for seniors to have regular hygiene and grooming. For clients who fear falling while bathing, or have physical or cognitive limitations that make bath-time difficult, our caregivers are there to help. We can assist with shampooing, shaving (with an electric shaver), hair combing and styling, and other grooming needs.