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How Does Personal Care at Home Foster Independence for Seniors?

When seniors need extra help with personal care tasks, they might find it difficult to cope with that kind of change. They may also worry that they’re going to lose their dignity because they need help with embarrassing tasks. Seniors can remain self-sufficient while also getting the help that they need from personal care at home.

Dressing and Grooming

Seniors can still be well-groomed and comfortable, even if it’s difficult for them to do these things on their own. Professional caregivers can help them to fasten clothing, tie shoelaces, and take care of other tasks related to changing clothing and grooming. Home care providers help to empower seniors with these activities by waiting until seniors ask for help rather than taking over these tasks.

Meal Preparation

Lots of seniors may still be able to prepare meals on their own, but for seniors with health challenges or other difficulties, a little help makes all the difference. Seniors don’t have to eat unhealthy foods or skip meals simply because it’s difficult for them to cook healthier options. Personal caregivers can help with preparing meals and also assist with eating if seniors have difficulty with that.

Mobility Support

Personal Care at Home in Fountain Hills AZ
Personal Care at Home in Fountain Hills AZ

If mobility limitations impede independence, seniors may need help with using mobility aids, assistance standing, or help with balance. Personal care at home can support seniors as they walk, which can help promote physical activity. With the right support, seniors with mobility challenges may regain some strength and independence while also experiencing less anxiety about movement.

Managing Health

Personal caregivers don’t offer medical assistance, but they can remind seniors to take medications and to follow their doctors’ recommendations in order to be healthier. Taking medications on schedule is a huge part of helping seniors to get the most benefit from them. Reminders and schedules help seniors to take charge of their own health while also getting support when they need it.

Personal Hygiene

It can be embarrassing for seniors to need help with personal hygiene tasks, including bathing or brushing teeth. These are tasks that seniors have likely tackled alone for a long time, so it’s difficult to ask for help. Personal care at home helps with these types of activities without damaging independence throughout the process.

Transportation and Errands

When seniors don’t drive any longer, they can easily fall into a habit of not going where they want to go. That can lead to isolation, so seniors need a solution that allows them to easily continue to go places and spend time around other people. Personal care at home can help with transportation needs while also keeping seniors company while they run errands. Seniors are safer, but they’re still in charge of their own time.

Seniors often worry that they will lose a lot of their independence simply because they have trouble with some of their normal daily activities. Personal care at home can help seniors stay in control of their lives while also getting the exact help they need along the way.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Fountain Hills, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

How Can Personal Care at Home Help Seniors with Diabetic Eye Disease?

Your dad has had diabetes for some time, and he’s starting to struggle more than he used to. His doctor says he’s losing his vision. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month and a good time to address your dad’s growing need for personal care at home.

What Causes Vision Loss?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness among diabetics. It occurs when blood sugar levels are not carefully managed. The blood vessels in the eye may rupture and leak blood into the retina.

If this continues to happen and isn’t treated, fluid may start to leak into part of the macula. The macula swells with this excess fluid and it distorts central vision. Macular edema and diabetic retinopathy caused by diabetes can rob your dad of his vision.

In addition, people with diabetes have a slightly higher risk of developing other eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Both of which can impact your dad’s ability to see clearly over time.

Yearly eye exams are essential to helping your dad retain his vision. If he fails to do this, however, he could end up permanently blind.

Are There Signs to Look For?

What signs should your dad look for? Often, there are no clear indicators of eye disease until the vision is diminishing. He should watch for an increased number of floaters, bright flashes of light in the eyes, vision that changes from one day to another, and dark areas in his vision.

He should also pay attention to colors that don’t look as vivid as they used to. If he notices any of these or finds his vision is a lot blurrier than it ever was, he should make an appointment to see his eye doctor ASAP.

Difficulties With Personal Care That Happen With Vision Loss

As your dad’s vision goes, he’s not going to be able to see items within his home. He may be able to feel his way to a room, but he could trip over any items in his way. Judging the height of his bathtub’s side is an issue and could lead to him falling.

Your dad isn’t going to be able to distinguish a bottle of shampoo from the conditioner. He won’t be able to tell his shampoo and body wash apart. He’s not going to be able to see his face to safely shave. It’s all going to require an adjustment.

When your dad’s vision is diminishing, it’s important that you arrange the care services he needs for oral care, grooming, and hygiene. He may also need assistance with toileting while he adjusts. A personal care at home aide helps with all of that.

Personal care at home can help him take care of his teeth and gums, help him wash his body and hair, and get to the toilet on time. Call a personal care at home advisor to learn more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Fountain Hills, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!