If you have a senior parent who is living alone, the household tasks that are difficult for your mom or dad might surprise you. When most people think about tasks that are difficult for seniors, they think about showering, doing laundry, and other physically demanding tasks.
But the tasks that seniors actually struggle with can be ones that you wouldn’t think are difficult. Seniors who have poor grip strength may struggle to pull up a pair of pants or pull a shirt over their heads. Or your mom or dad might find it painful to try and pick up a carton of milk and carry it from the fridge to the counter.
A lot of the small tasks necessary for living can be difficult for your mom or dad as they get older. And not being able to do those tasks can impact your senior parent’s quality of life at home. But with specialized care like personal care at home, your mom or dad can safely and comfortably live at home.
Personal care at home and other types of home care can provide the support that your mom or dad needs so that they won’t struggle with tasks like:
Lifting Heavy Pots or Pans
Cooking can become a challenge when lifting a heavy pot or pan off the stove or carrying it to the sink. Seniors may experience difficulty due to arthritis, reduced upper body strength, or a fear of dropping hot items.
To make this easier, get your mom or dad lightweight cookware or pots with two handles for better control. Using a kitchen cart to move items can also reduce the strain. And personal care at home providers can make cooking, putting away groceries, and other household tasks much safer for your mom or dad.
Turning Doorknobs
Traditional round doorknobs can be hard for your mom or dad to grip and twist, especially if they have arthritis or weakened hand strength. This can make something as simple as entering a room frustrating or painful. Lever-style door handles are a great alternative, as they require less effort and can be operated with a push of the hand or elbow.
Pulling Up Socks
Bending over to pull-up socks is a struggle for many seniors with back pain, joint stiffness, or reduced flexibility. This seemingly simple task can become time-consuming and uncomfortable. A sock aid, a device that holds the sock open and allows seniors to slide their foot in without bending over, can make this task much easier.
Personal care at home providers can also help seniors with difficult tasks like getting dressed, transferring, and showering or brushing their teeth. If your mom or dad is having trouble with any type of hygiene task, find out more about personal care at home services.
Putting on Clothing
Getting dressed, especially putting on shirts, pants, or shoes, can be difficult for seniors with limited range of motion in their shoulders, hips, or knees.
Buttons, zippers, and laces add to the challenge. Adaptive clothing, with features like Velcro closures or elastic waists, can simplify the process. Long-handled shoehorns can also assist with putting on shoes.
Opening Jars or Bottles
Tight lids on jars and bottles require grip strength and hand dexterity, which can diminish with age. This can make opening food containers or medication bottles a daily frustration. Jar openers, bottle grippers, and easy-to-open kitchen tools are practical solutions that reduce the effort required.
Turning Light Switches On or Off
Standard toggle light switches may be complicated for seniors with limited finger strength or dexterity. Rocker switches, or smart lights controlled by voice commands or motion sensors can make managing lighting effortless and safe. This is especially helpful at night when poor visibility increases the risk of falls.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Alexandria, VA, please contact the caring staff at Cardinal Home Care today! (703) 934-4610
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax, Virginia, and the surrounding communities.
Cardinal Home Care launched in 2019, with the purpose of providing quality non-medical home care to seniors wishing to remain in the comfort of their homes.
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax Virginia and the surrounding communities.
- The Tasks That Your Senior Parent Struggles With Might Surprise You - January 17, 2025
- Alzheimer’s Care: Supporting Seniors Aging in Place and Their Loved Ones - January 10, 2025
- What Is 24-Hour Home Care For Seniors? - December 19, 2024
