The Holidays: A Time of Discovery
The holidays are one of the few times that we may have the opportunity to truly gather together as a family due to life’s schedules and proximity of our loved ones. For those who travel a distance to a loved one, this may be the time when you notice things are changing with mom or dad. While you connect often on the phone, the extended time together may provide a deeper look at their daily lives. Perhaps you’ll notice they’re repeating themselves more often or that they appear to be having more difficulty getting around. Couple this insight with the resolve that married couples may attach to the “for better or for worse” marriage vow, “No one can care for you as well as I can” or “I’m your husband, it’s my duty to care for you.” It’s important as families to talk to one another about how things are changing and for everyone to understand that asking for help does not mean giving up. It simply means taking control.
As part of the evaluation of your family ask, “what you or your loved one can do” and “what can be done by others?” Perhaps having some help with food shopping and/or meal prep; which could be a grocery delivery service, signing up to receive Meals on Wheels and/or receiving in-home services from a respected agency like ABC Home Healthcare Professionals. Homemaking assistance can go a long way to remaining safe at home. Having someone come in to do the laundry may help avoid a fall that could lead to a hospital stay. As we get older making beds becomes more strenuous; if we can utilize others to accomplish these more manual chores we may feel better physically and mentally. Just a LITTLE help each week can make a BIG difference.
As we age we find comfort in our surroundings. In addition to help inside the home there may be modifications that may make life at home more manageable. It might be adjusting the layout of furniture or removing some rugs to allow for easier foot traffic; adding grab bars in the shower and/or installing hand-held shower fixtures to make bathing easier. ABC Home Healthcare offers FREE in-home evaluation of our clients AND their surroundings to help identify potential hazards before they become an issue. Our In-Home Safety and Modification team can help make home more accessible and comfortable.
As you enjoy time together with your loved ones this holiday season consider the gift of home health services and peace of mind knowing together we can make home happen.
