Orlando Home Care | How to Determine if Home Care is Right for Your Parent

Most older adults prefer to age in place in the comfort and familiarity of home, but it’s important to determine if in-home care is the right choice. There is a classic assessment test called the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, developed to help professional caregivers assess the level of assistance needed in the home; however, here is a list of some of the main daily activities that anyone can use to help determine in-home care needs.

• Ability to use a telephone: This is an important function for seniors in the event of an emergency. If your parent can only answer the phone, but not dial, or cannot use a phone at all, he or she may need some assistance at home.
• Shopping: Depending on mobility, some seniors may be able to shop for themselves, while others may need accompaniment to the store or to have their shopping done by a caregiver.
• Food preparation: Proper nutrition is important for aging seniors, and you may find that your loved ones are not maintaining an adequate diet from the meals they prepare for themselves. If this is the case, they may need assistance with food preparation.
• Housekeeping: Daily household chores can be daunting for frail seniors. This is an area where many home care clients require assistance to help maintain upkeep of their homes.
• Medication responsibilities: A certain amount of memory loss is common with aging, so many seniors feel the need to receive medication reminders. For parents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, this assistance is particularly important.

When you are helping your parents plan their long-term care, a professional in-home assessment can help you determine whether home care is the right choice or if movement into a care facility is preferable. Contact the caregivers at Partners in Healthcare in Orlando, FL to schedule an in-home assessment and get your loved one’s long-term care plan started today!