Home Living Aid ֠What Types of Services Are Available? If you or a loved one are unable to perform daily activities, ahome living aid may be a good option. Several types of assistance are available to assist with the activities of daily living, including transportation, companionship, and housekeeping. These services provide the individual with the assistance needed to live independently. Assistance with activities of daily living There are many reasons that people with disabilities may need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). A person must be able to perform certain tasks in order to live independently, and these activities can be challenging. A person with a disability may have physical or mental limitations, and a lack of assistance can lead to dangerous situations. Some people can benefit from assistance with ADLs through trained aides or specialized assistive technology. However, these services are not always covered by Medicare and can be difficult to afford for people in lower socioeconomic groups. The first step in determining if someone needs assistance with ADLs is to determine their level of independence. There are several different scales to use when determining if a person needs assistance. One commonly used tool is the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (KIADL). The Katz Index measures the independence of a senior through six different activities, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, and transferring. As a senior ages, the ADLs become more difficult to perform on oneҳ own. As a result, feeding oneself may be the final ADL that requires physical assistance. These assessments can help determine whether a senior should receive government assistance with ADLs. If the senior is not eligible for government assistance, a family doctor or occupational therapist can help assess the individualҳ needs. Other types of activities of daily living may require more assistance. These activities may be more complex and require more thought and planning. Assisted living services can help with these tasks. Some of the most basic ADLs include: eating, showering, dressing, and bathing. However, the level of independence required for these tasks varies among seniors. Companionship Providing companionship is an essential way to improve the quality of life for seniors. Companionship is more than just a job; it is an invaluable relationship that allows seniors to thrive and share their challenges and joys. Companionship can help older people deal with daily challenges, express their grief, and find resources. A quality companion will become someone of an older person looks forward to seeing and who they can trust. Older people are often worried about the smallest details and need a trustworthy person to help them feel comfortable and confident. A home companion is not a nurse, but they can give their client the same kind of emotional support. A companion will visit an aging person on a regular basis and spend time talking, watching television, or going to activities at the local senior center or mall. They also help a senior with their daily tasks, such as laundry, meal preparation, or even personal hygiene. A companion will spend time with their client, developing a close relationship with them. They may take them to the park or on a walk, play cards, or read books. They can also help with household chores, such as taking medications. A companion can also take a loved one to the doctor, shop, or go for an errand. When choosing a companion, ask whether the person has the necessary skills and qualifications. If they need to drive a family member to appointments, they should have a clean driving record. Transportation Transportation for home-living aid services vary depending on where you live. Many transportation services require you to pre-register with them in advance. They may ask you questions to ensure they understand your needs and goals. If you are unsure of what to ask, the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center have created a helpful sheet. You can also look for private companies that provide personal transportation. Lyft is a popular on-demand service that can send you a car in minutes. It also has concierge services. Veyo is a service that partners with health care providers and insurance companies to provide non-emergency medical transportation. There are also a number of services run by volunteer drivers and nonprofits, such as iTNAmerica, that offer door-to-door transportation. Housekeeping Housekeeping is a home-living aid that can help you maintain the cleanliness of your home. It involves light tasks such as dusting, wiping surfaces, emptying trash cans, and vacuuming. It also involves organizing cabinets, drawers, shelves, and closets. Housekeeping is not meant to replace heavy cleaning duties, such as washing windows and floors or moving heavy furniture. Depending on your service plan, housekeeping tasks may vary. Some patients may have limited physical capability and may need help with light housekeeping duties. Some patients will volunteer to help with these tasks, within the limits of their physical capacity. Nonetheless, you should not rush the patient or make them feel bad about the task. Housekeeping aides typically work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and hotels. They clean and maintain guest areas, change sheets, empty garbage bins, organize items, and vacuum floors, among other duties. Duties vary by employer, but most require previous cleaning experience, good organizational skills, and physical stamina. Housekeeping services are available through TIHC. They provide a trained caregiver to help maintain the cleanliness of a residentҳ home, as well as refer a professional housekeeping service for more extensive cleaning services. Housekeeping services are an excellent option for people with limited mobility or who need help maintaining their homes. Assistive devices Assistive devices are a way for people with disabilities to live comfortably at home. These devices can be anything from a modified keyboard to a robotic vacuum cleaner. Some devices are inexpensive and can help people live independently. Others are more complicated. Home remodeling projects can include grab bars, which are useful for preventing falls. A professional occupational therapist can help you choose the right devices for your particular needs. Some assistive technologies are very useful for those with vision or hearing problems. These help the visually impaired to move around a room, select next actions, and communicate. Some of the best examples of these assistive technologies are iPads, televisions, voice command devices, and simple telephones. Other assistive devices include TV ears, which allow people with impaired vision to listen to television at higher volumes. The use of assistive devices can help older adults maintain their independence. Some of these devices help older adults perform everyday tasks with less pain. Using a shower chair, for example, can give back support when washing their hair, as well as stability throughout their body movements. A safety rail can also prevent falls and trip hazards. Aside from helping people with disabilities maintain their independence, assistive devices can help older people remain active and engaged in life. Some assistive technology includes communication aids, medication reminder devices, and sensor systems for light switches. The combined use of these devices with home healthcare can improve seniorsҠmental and physical health and increase their independence. While some older people may feel uncomfortable with digital monitoring, the majority of assistive devices do not actively record video. Some smart doorbells and telecare packages record video, though. While the technology industry has made great strides to maintain privacy, the elderly may still be uncomfortable with the idea of being recorded by a third party. Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon $999.00 $2,660.00 $1,200.99 Buy on Amazon $999.00 Buy on Amazon $2,660.00 Buy on Amazon $1,200.99 The postHome Living Aid ֠What Types of Services Are Available? appeared first onHome Living Aid.