One of the most common concerns that people have about their senior parent is whether or not they can be safe living alone. And since more seniors than ever want to live at home independently as they get older, it’s a very important question to ask.
Every senior is different, and every situation is different. But the truth is that in most cases seniors can live very safely and comfortably at home. They just might need some extra support. Senior home care can provide the extra support that your senior parent needs to thrive at home.
What Is Senior Home Care?
Senior home care is general help for seniors that want to live on their own as they age. A senior home care provider will visit your senior parent on a set schedule, and help them with household chores, shopping, and other tasks.
Senior home care can adjust to whatever your senior parent needs. As your senior parent’s health and needs change, so can the amount of help they receive. Having an extra set of helping hands, and an extra set of eyes making sure the house is safe, can make a difference in your parent’s quality of life.
Senior home care can help your parent stay safe by:
Making Sure Appliances Are Turned Off and Used Safely
Kitchen safety is one of the biggest concerns for older adults. A senior home care provider can make sure coffee pots, stoves, ovens, and other appliances are turned off after use.
They can also handle tasks that involve heat or heavy lifting like boiling water, lifting pots and pans, or carrying dishes from the stove to the table. This prevents burns, spills, and fire hazards. A caregiver can also help keep cords and appliances in good condition, unplugging anything that looks worn or unsafe.
Keeping Floors Clean, Dry, and Clutter-Free
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury among seniors. A senior home care provider can greatly reduce this risk by keeping floors clean, dry, and clear of clutter. They can quickly wipe up spills, pick up items that block walkways, and make sure throw rugs lie flat or are removed altogether.
They can also keep electrical cords tucked away and ensure lighting is bright enough so your parent can see where they’re going. A clean, open floor space helps your parent move safely around the house.
Doing Laundry and Household Chores Safely
Laundry can be a dangerous task for seniors. Bending, carrying heavy baskets, and reaching into machines can lead to back strain or falls. Carrying full baskets up and down stairs is a recipe for disaster.
A senior home care provider can do physically challenging chores by washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes and linens. They can also change bed sheets and towels regularly to keep things clean and fresh.
Preventing Kitchen and Household Accidents
A senior home care provider can help keep your parent safe while cooking and cleaning by managing the small details that can lead to big problems. They can wipe up spills right away, store sharp objects safely, and make sure items your parent uses often are easy to reach.
Senior home care providers can also monitor expiration dates on food to prevent illness, throw out expired food, and make sure that parent isn’t eating food that could be unsafe.
Keeping the Home Well-Organized and Secure
Good organization is key to safety. A senior home care provider can make sure items are stored in safe, easy-to-reach places so your parent doesn’t need to stretch, climb, or bend awkwardly.
They can check that doors are locked, appliances are turned off before bedtime, and lights are left on in hallways at night. They can also make sure emergency phone numbers are easy to find. These small steps help prevent accidents and give everyone peace of mind.
Find Out More About The Benefits Of Senior Home Care
If you’re worried about your parent being safe living on their own, call a local senior home care agency today. Find out more about the many benefits of senior home care and how a care provider can help prevent falls and accidents.
If you or someone you know needs Senior Home Care in Granite Falls, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.