An in-home care consultation with the experts in senior care in Urbandale, IA helps families learn about elder care options.
You’ve just finished talking to Mom on the telephone, and now have a feeling something is not completely right. Though it was a pleasant conversation, her memory lapses were concerning. She assured you that she is perfectly fine – that she’s eating very well (although she could not remember what she had for dinner), taking her medications, and having no problem keeping up with the household responsibilities. If you are not completely convinced that a senior is wholly self-sustaining and safe and are considering elder care options, an excellent first step would be to arrange for an in-home consultation from a respected home care provider such as At-Home Care Company, a licensed provider of senior care in Urbandale, Iowa and the surrounding communities. This enables a highly trained, objective third party professional to speak with your loved one in the comfort of home, while assessing several critical areas.
The Senior’s General Wellbeing
During the consultation, the home care expert will learn how the older adult is feeling, both physically and emotionally.
- Is he or she bored or lonely?
- Physically active?
- Balanced and steady, or at risk for a fall?
Additionally, cognitive strength is assessed.
- Is the older adult forgetful?
- Are there any concerns with wandering, aggression, agitation, confusion?
- Does she or he seem capable of effectively managing the household?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
It is very important for an older adult living independently to be able to attend to everyday tasks that fall into two categories: ADLs and IADLs.
ADLs include activities such as:
- Self-feeding
- Showering/bathing as well as other personal hygiene needs
- Getting dressed
- Using the toilet
- Moving from bed to chair and throughout the house independently
IADLs are less fundamental, but still essential to independent living, and include:
- Housekeeping
- Planning and preparing meals
- Shopping and running errands
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Making and receiving telephone calls
- Money management/bill paying
The Home Environment
The in-home consultant can also assess the older adult’s living space for any potential hazards and risks, such as:
- Issues that might play a role in a fall: low-lying furniture, clutter or cords in the senior’s walking paths, stairways without proper handrails, no grab bars about the bathroom, loose throw rugs, and so much more
- If there are fresh foods available that are not beyond the expiration date, moldy, etc.
- Whether there are any signs of accidents, such as burn marks on the counters or scorched pots/pans
- Unopened mail piled up
- Dirty dishes stacked on the counters, or any other signs of trouble with maintaining the home to healthy standards
Based on the results of the assessment, the home care professional can prepare an individualized care plan that will outline the ways an in-home caregiver can help tackle any obstacles being encountered. Often with only a little support, seniors can continue to live and thrive in the home where it’s most comfortable, with enhanced safety to bring families peace of mind, while never sacrificing the senior’s independence and freedom.
Get in touch with At Home Care Company to arrange for a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about elder care options for an older adult you love today! You can reach us any time at (515) 292-2650 to learn about our top-rated senior care in Urbandale, IA and the surrounding communities.