It's no surprise that most older adults prefer to age in place at home. There's just something about the familiarity of home that helps people feel more confident and comfortable. However, staying at home unassisted may not always be the best idea, and it's important to determine if in-home care is the right choice for your loved one. There is a classic assessment test called the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, developed to help professional caregivers assess the level of assistance needed in the home; however, here is a list of some of the main daily activities that anyone can use to help determine in-home care needs.
- Ability to use a telephone: The ability to use a telephone is vital in the event of an emergency. If your parent can only answer the phone, but not dial, or cannot use a phone at all, he or she may need some assistance at home.
- Shopping: Depending on mobility, some seniors may be able to shop for themselves, while others may need accompaniment to the store or to have their shopping done by a caregiver.
- Food preparation: Proper nutrition is important for aging seniors, and you may find that your loved ones are not maintaining an adequate diet from the meals they prepare for themselves. If this is the case, they may need assistance with food preparation.
- Housekeeping: Daily household chores can be daunting for older adults. If regular household chores are being left undone, it may indicate a need for care.
- Medication responsibilities: A certain amount of memory loss is common with aging, so many seniors feel the need to receive medication reminders. For parents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, this assistance is particularly important.
If you've noticed an older loved one struggling in any of these areas, it may be time to plan for some care assistance at home. In-home caregivers can provide a variety of assistance, from grocery shopping to meal preparation to light housekeeping, that will help the person remain more independent at home. If you're considering in-home care in the Chicago area, contact the caregiving team at Independence-4-Seniors to learn more about our services and how home care can help your loved one.