The COVID-19 pandemic has people staying at home to avoid contracting the virus. While that certainly keeps older adults safer, it can also make it hard for them to receive the help they need from family and friends who are also sheltering in place. The good news is that home care services can still send professional caregivers to your parent’s home to assist them with their non-medical needs. Some of the ways that home care services can help your parent during the pandemic are described below.
Medication Reminders
It’s not uncommon for seniors to forget to take medications prescribed for managing chronic conditions. Many family caregivers stop in on a regular basis to make certain their parent has taken their medicine. While visiting your parent’s home, a home care services provider can remind your parent when it is time to take their medications. When seniors consistently take medication as directed, they will be healthier, and their medical conditions will be more under control.
Mobility Assistance
Some older adults have difficulty getting around safely without assistance. If you normally visit your parent to help them get up in the morning and dress or bathe without falling, a home care services provider can do these things for you. Home care services providers can come each morning to get your parent out of bed and assist them with starting their day, including preparing breakfast for them. They can also get them safely back and forth to the bathroom as often as needed during the day.
Transportation to Medical Appointments
Even though older adults are safer staying at home to prevent contracting the COVID-19 virus, they still need to attend their regular medical appointments to stay healthy. If they can no longer drive because of vision, cognitive, or physical problems, a home care services provider can offer them transportation to medical appointments and the pharmacy. They can also assist your parent to get into the building and back to the car without fear of falling in the parking lot or on the sidewalk.
Relieve Loneliness
Being stuck in the house without visitors can be quite lonely for your parent. Sure, they can talk to people on the telephone or connect with them through email and social media. Those things are important. However, nothing can take the place of face-to-face contact with other people. By having home care visit on a regular basis, your parent will have meaningful contact with a friendly person. Home care services providers can chat with them, do crafts with them, or other activities they enjoy.