Getting older is a complex experience for many. It’s a tough day when we realize we may need assistance with certain daily tasks that have become more difficult, but we aren’t ready to give up our independence or our home.
Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey can help. We partner with seniors every day to help them manage the aging process in their home.
Seniors often need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This includes bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. Additionally, they often seek companionship and help with light housekeeping, meals, medication reminders, and rides to appointments.
What are the most commonly requested services for seniors?
1. Personal Care and Hygiene
Getting in and out of the shower can be risky business. At some point, you may not feel comfortable doing this when you are alone. We get calls for personal care and hygiene help quite frequently. Some clients just need us there for standby assistance. Others needs us to assist with the entire bathing and dressing process.
2. Meal Preparation
Everyone needs proper nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Meal preparation becomes more difficult as we age due to vision impairments, cognitive decline, and mobility issues. We have clients who have us prepare multiple meals in a single day and freeze them in portions to last the entire week. Additionally, on the days we visit, we’ll prepare a healthy meal for you to eat while we’re there.
3. Housework
Simple chores can become overwhelming as you get older. We’ll ensure the house is tidy after each visit. We’ll create a schedule of chores that will be performed during every visit and those that will be on a schedule. This includes cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, changing bed linen and washing other laundry, vacuuming, dusting, and any other chore you request with our homemaker care.
4. Medication Reminders
We’ll help ensure you take your medication on time. We can recommend pill organizers and help fill them, set alarms in your phone for times when we’re not there, make sure you reorder your medication on time, and even pick up the refills.
5. Transportation
Many seniors give up driving due to a decrease in vision or reflexes. We can help you where you need to go in your car. We’ll make sure you get to your appointments and phone conference in a family member if allowed.
6. Physical Activity
Physical activity is the fountain of youth for many seniors. It can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving cardiovascular health; it can reduce the risk of dementia and improve your mood; it can reduce the risk of falls by improving your balance and flexibility. We’ll help you work up a sweat to improve your physical health, your mental health, and your mobility!
7. Mind Exercises
We’ll work together to build a puzzle, learn a new skill or play a game that can keep the brain sharp, boost problem-solving abilities, enhance your mood, and reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
Mary’s Home Care Story
These are just a few ideas of the value an in-home caregiver can bring to your life. Please share with us any of your ideas so we can incorporate them into the plan. Still not sure how it all works, let me introduce you to Mary.
Mary suffered a mild stroke that required hospitalization and a month in rehab. She then spent another month with a family member before deciding it was time to go home. Mary’s family was nervous about her being alone because she was also legally blind; they agreed to her going home only if she had in-home care for a few hours each day.
Mary and her caregiver were instantly compatible. Mary always enjoyed a big breakfast on her visit days. She’d manage her own shower but had assistance getting in and out of her shower chair. Her caregiver tidied the bathroom while Mary washed and was there if assistance was ever needed.
Mary would have her groceries delivered just after we arrived, and her caregiver would prepare several meals. Her sheets were changed weekly, her laundry was washed several times each week, her kitchen and bathroom were always tidy.
The two also enjoyed short walks in the neighborhood and conversations about Mary’s interests.
Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey
There’s a caregiver out there who can bring this much joy to your life too. Let us help you with the search. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your care needs.
