Concerned about caring for elderly parents? Want help maintaining your independence in your own home through your ‘golden years’?
You’re not alone.
Figures from Statistics Canada show:
The number of seniors has more than doubled in the past 25 years
Most seniors are living longer and staying in their own homes
Changes in health care, including shorter hospital stays and out-patient treatment, have passed a greater proportion of care giving to families
Changes in social services have reduced the amount of public help available for in-home care.
Stewart’s Nannies and Caregivers can help you meet the demand for in-home elder care, ensuring better health, improved quality of life, and greater independence.
Why have an in-home caregiver?
A Stewart's Caregiver in the home can:
1.
Make sure the home is secure and safe – during the day and overnight.
2.
Ensure medications are taken as prescribed
3.
Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including special diets
4.
Care for pets – including any medication, special diets and regular exercise
5.
Handle every aspect of home maintenance, including rug cleaning and washing vehicles
6.
Maintain the yard and garden
7.
Offer personal assistance as required, including help with bathing etc.
8.
Do laundry and ironing, assist with dressing if required
9.
Make medical appointments and, if required by client, alert family or medical professionals to any health changes
10.
Pay bills and run errands, if requested by client
11.
Provide companionship and activities to enhance quality of life
12.
Maintain and enhance the social, emotional, intellectual and physical abilities of senior citizens
Get peace of mind by knowing a caregiver is in the home
overnight to help with any emergency.
The greatest desire of many seniors is to remain in their own homes
Many seniors fear the loss of independence and so may try to conceal the difficulty they are having with home maintenance or personal care.
Signs that additional in-home care is required include:
Spoiled food in the refrigerator, freezer and drawers, because the parent cannot easily clean tight, cluttered spaces or because he/she cannot easily get to the grocery store;
Increased use of convenience and junk foods which do not provide proper nutrition.
Weight loss, indicating a poor diet or skipped meals
Dust and dirt on furniture and countertops, indicating problems with home maintenance
Dirty fans and ceilings as the senior can no longer climb up to clean
Floors and stairways soiled with spilled drinks and food
Tripping hazards created by frayed carpets, throw rugs, clutter, cracked sidewalks, broken stair rails and poorly arranged furniture
Old newspapers, books and magazines collecting in corners or under beds, creating a fire hazard
Unanswered mail and unpaid bills
Improperly stored medication and cleaning supplies
Difficulty taking medicine as prescribed or remembering to refill prescriptions
Unkempt or dirty clothing and poor personal hygiene
Reports from neighbours or close friends concerned about the parent’s/parents lifestyle or isolation.
The help of an in-home caregiver may be the best gift you can give your parents - or yourself. Help with home maintenance, companionship, healthy meals, medication and more can improve mental and physical health, leading to greater long-term independence.
