6 Household Chores Older Adults Might Need Assistance With

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Home Chores to Help Keep Seniors Active | lakwood , CO

When it comes to housekeeping, some people do it better than others. However, you should be concerned if your aging loved one’s home suddenly looks disheveled if he or she has always been fairly organized in the past. Difficulty managing basic housekeeping tasks could be a sign your loved one is experiencing health issues such as arthritis pain or a fear of falling. During your next visit to your loved one’s home, consider offering help to tackle the following housekeeping tasks that tend to be difficult for seniors.

1. Cleaning the Floor

Mopping and vacuuming tend to take up a lot of energy. However, seniors rely on clean floors to prevent falls, and regular floor cleanings can reduce allergens and bacteria that contribute to illness. Many seniors fear falling on a wet floor as they mop, and your loved one’s aversion to keeping the floor clean may indicate he or she has balance or mobility issues. 

Seniors who need help managing basic household tasks can benefit from professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same services of home care Lakewood families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

2. Organizing High Shelves

Over the years, the highest shelves in closets and cabinets tend to get neglected. Seniors should avoid climbing on ladders, and they may have difficulty reaching higher shelves if they cannot lift their arms over their head easily. When you notice your loved one’s storage spaces are cluttered, offer to move things down to a lower level where he or she can sort through them.

3. Going Grocery Shopping

Shopping for groceries involves several skills that begin to decrease in the senior years. For instance, your loved one may need help with grocery shopping if he or she can no longer drive safely or if memory issues make it difficult to remember what he or she needs. Since having a well-stocked kitchen is critical for meeting nutritional needs, helping with grocery shopping could enhance your loved one’s overall health.

4. Cleaning Up After Meals

Most people don’t enjoy cleaning up after they eat, but seniors may have a legitimate reason for leaving the dishes in the sink. Heavy pots and pans may be too difficult for your loved one to wash in the sink, or he or she may have difficulty bending over to put the dishes in the dishwasher. Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one clean up after meals each day.

Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated elder care agency, Lakewood, CO, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.  

5. Scouring the Bathroom

Whether your loved one has a walk-in bathtub or a shower, cleaning the bathroom requires agility, balance, and strength. For some seniors, reaching every nook and cranny is impossible, and those with respiratory issues may not be able to breathe in the heavy fumes found in household cleaners such as bleach. 

6. Doing the Laundry

Fresh linens are critical for seniors with health conditions that cause them to soil their clothing and bedding often. However, lifting heavy baskets of laundry and getting the linens in and out of the washer and dryer may be too much for your loved one to handle. Consider hiring someone who can manage these tasks while helping your loved one stay independent.

Aging adults who need help around the house, transportation to medical appointments and social events, and assistance with exercise can benefit from having an in-home elderly caregiver. Lakewood seniors can enjoy greater independence and receive regular mental and social stimulation when relying on a trusted professional who is expertly trained in various aspects of senior care. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your elderly loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (303) 987-5992 today.

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