In Home Non-Medical Care (PAS)

Bathing and Showering

Bathroom floors can be slippery and bathtubs and showers that do not have special accommodations for aging seniors could increase the risk of an accident, yet bathing is essential for maintaining good hygiene and health. The assistance of a personal care advocate with this daily task can add an additional level of safety and peace of mind.

Brushing Hair

Some older adults may have a limited range of motion that can make combing their hair difficult. Though it can seem like such a small thing, having freshly brushed hair can make people feel more themselves and a bit more put together.

Getting Dressed

With age, being agile enough to easily pull on pants or fastening the buttons on shirts can become what feels like an insurmountable challenge. However, getting dressed for the day is a crucial task that may impact a person’s productivity and over all well-being. In-home personal care can help loved ones get ready for their day.

Colostomy Care

Those individuals that have undergone a colostomy may require assistance changing the pouching system and caring for the surrounding skin. A trained advocate should be able to help with colostomy care.

Eating

Nutrition is a key component of our health, but some aging seniors may experience a decrease in their ability to shop or properly prepare meals. In-home care advocates can assist with meal related tasks.

Oral Hygiene

Studies have shown an individual’s oral health to be a good barometer of their overall health. To achieve good oral hygiene, some adults may need help brushing their teeth or properly caring for dentures.

Prescribed Exercises

Especially for those adults who have recently undergone surgery or a procedure, range of motion could be limited as a result. In this case, it is common for physicians to prescribe some basic exercises. In-home personal care representatives can encourage and help patients perform these exercises.

Shaving

Daily shaving can be difficult if a senior deals with severe arthritis or a limited range of motion. Care advocates can help individuals perform this task which can give some seniors a better sense of self-esteem to be looking and feeling more like themselves.

Wheelchair and Walker Assistance

Mobility can become an issue with age, particularly if navigating life with a wheelchair or a walker. Care advocates can help patients learn to better utilize each to allow for increased mobility.

Wound Care

After an invasive or surgical procedure, regular would care may be required. Since this can be difficult for an individual to do alone, a personal care representative can step in to help change dressings and keep the wound sterile and healthy.

• Compassionate honesty. Be empathetic about changes that you’ve noticed in personal care without making blatant accusations. Let them know that you are worried, and you want them to have everything they need.
• Let them weigh in. Realize the gravity of this change for an aging senior and respect it. Ask them what they think and help them work through those feelings. Let them have a voice in the discussion.

• Mention the benefits. In some cases, seniors will realize that the exact tasks that have been frustrating them and their loved ones can easily be remedied with in-home personal care. Make a point of the fact that it will not sacrifice your loved one’s independence. It might also be helpful to find out if any in their social circle are already utilizing a similar service.
• Work through it. It is said that they didn’t build Rome in a day, so it would be prudent not to expect this discussion to be resolved in one conversation either. Take your time in mulling things over and practice patience.