Many people will need assistance with personal care as they get older. In the past, this care was provided at nursing homes or retirement homes. Today’s seniors have different expectations. Ninety-two percent of seniors 65 years and older are living in their homes, and they want to stay there. And who can blame them? Home is comfortable and familiar. It’s where they’ve spent many years of their lives.
Caring for your elderly parents at home can be challenging. When you have your own children to look after, and a demanding job, you can’t always be there for them. You may not know that personal care services are available for seniors. These services can look after your parents’ personal care needs when you’re not around. Here are some personal care services that are available for seniors.
Help with Bathing
Bathing can become difficult for people as they get older. Seniors can develop balance issues that affect bathing and using the restroom. They may worry about suffering a painful fall. They may also have trouble standing in the shower for an extended period of time.
Personal care services can offer assistance with bathing. A caregiver can help your parents get in and out of the tub or shower stall safely. If your parent needs more assistance, the caregiver can help with tasks like hair washing.
A frequently asked question about this service is whether your loved ones will have the same caregivers every time: Home care companies try to send the same caregivers each time to keep your loved ones comfortable.
Help with Grooming
Do your parents need help with personal grooming tasks? Seniors may have trouble in this area as they get older. Conditions like arthritis in the hands can make it harder to hold a hairbrush or a toothbrush. Sore joints can make getting dressed more difficult.
Caregivers can help with any of these daily grooming tasks. Caregivers will only help with the tasks your parents aren’t able to do on their own. Many seniors worry they’ll lose their independence when they get a caregiver. Reassure your parents that caregivers won’t take over tasks unnecessarily.
Help with Toileting
Seniors may need help using the toilet, even if they’re independent in other ways. Seniors can fall easily when they’re rushing to the bathroom. They can also fall when they sit on the toilet, or stand up. This can be caused by blood pressure changes or other health problems. Your parents can’t wait until you’re done work to go to the toilet, so help in this area is crucial.
Caregivers can help with all aspects of daily life. This may involve supporting them as they walk to the bathroom to ensure they don’t fall. It can also include helping them sit down on the toilet or helping them stand up again.
Help with Feeding
Seniors may have trouble feeding themselves. This may be because they may lack the energy to cook complex meals. It may also be because of health conditions like arthritis that make holding a fork or spoon difficult, or mobility issues that impede grocery shopping. Whatever the reason, caregivers can help.
When you’re at work, caregivers can help your parents with feeding tasks. This may include doing things like cooking and serving meals. It can also include spoon feeding your parents, if necessary.
Help with Medications
Do your parents often forget to take their medications? Seniors often have multiple medications they need to take. Some medications may need to be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach. Other medications need to be taken at very specific intervals. It’s a lot to keep track of, and your parents could miss their medications.
Caregivers can help your loved ones remember their medications as part of their personal care services. Caregivers don’t give medication, but they help by telling your loved ones when it’s time to take the medication. With these reminders, you don’t have to worry if your loved ones aren’t taking their medications when you’re not around. 
