Planning your loved one’s in-home care

Assisting Hands Home Care - Hinsdale

www.assistinghands.com

630-321-9000

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2/22/15

Photo Credit: Adrien.Pâris. via Compfight cc

As your parents or other family members get older, you might wonder if they are safe at home caring for themselves. The aging process can pose difficulties in chores and personal care even for healthy older adults, so it may be time to start thinking about in-home care as an option for your loved ones living at home. Professional care for your loved one can be a great relief for family caregivers, or it may be a necessity to keep your parents safe and give you peace of mind. Read on for some key steps in planning care for any loved one.

Make it a team effort

It’s important to remember that in-home care is a family decision and that your elderly relatives might have their own concerns that should be addressed in discussions about professional care. If you are all living in different places, you might use email or video chats to collaborate on this decision so that no one is left out.

Assess your loved one’s needs

The goal of in-home care is to offer just as much assistance as an individual needs so they may hold onto their independence and stay in charge of more daily decisions. Before you make any big decisions about home care, you’ll want to schedule a detailed in-home consultation and set clear goals with realistic expectations.

Start planning early

The stress of finding the right caregiver and services for your loved ones may be high if you wait until an accident like mom falling down the stairs or dad throwing out his back occurs at home. In-home care can help prevent these accidents and provide your loved one with companionship that helps maintain a higher quality of life. You shouldn’t feel like it’s too early to start the conversation about in-home care.
Are you ready to start exploring home care options? Assisting Hands Home Care in Hinsdale offers personalized services from licensed, caring professionals that you can trust in your loved one’s home. To start the conversation with an in-home consultation, visit Assisting Hands Home Care online or call 630-321-9000.

Exercises to help seniors stay independent at home

Assisting Hands Home Care - Hinsdale

www.assistinghands.com

630-321-9000

Photo Credit: Fort Rucker via Compfight cc

The healthiest seniors are those who spend time exercising to stay fit and active. With regular exercise, you can help prevent or improve conditions ranging from osteoporosis to heart disease. However, the risk of injury can make exercise difficult for some seniors. This article will explore a few of the best activities to build strength while minimizing the chances of injury. As you try these exercises, remember to stay hydrated and fueled by a healthy diet for optimal fitness.

Chair exercises

If you have wanted to try an activity like yoga, but you are afraid you don’t have the strength or stamina to get into poses, you might benefit from a chair adaptation that lets you sit as you move through lower-intensity variations of beneficial poses. The stability and support of the chair will let you move freely to stretch and strengthen muscles without losing your balance or getting hurt.

Light weight lifting

Classic exercises like weight lifting are a great choice—especially if you want an easy exercise to do at home. Go for lighter weights so that you don’t put too much strain on yourself while lifting. And remember to consult your doctor before engaging in strenous activities.

Swimming and water aerobics

Once you get into the water, you will have minimal impact on your bones and joints, so you can easily get moving even if you suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis. Community pools and recreation centers might offer classes in water aerobics to get your heart rate up, or you can simply dive in and start swimming laps to tap into the benefits of underwater exercise.
Whether you need a little help around the house for chores or companionship during the day, the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care in Hinsdale will be there for you. To schedule a free, in-home consultation today, visit Assisting Hands Home Care online or call 630-321-9000.

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