Live-in assistance provides a wealth of services that can be invaluable to elderly or disabled individuals, making it an economical alternative to assisted living or nursing home facilities.
Housing providers face a unique challenge when dealing with live-in aide requests because they raise many questions and necessitate an extensive verification process. Leslie from Williams, Edelstein & Tucker P.C shares her advice on what questions property managers should ask when receiving these requests for services.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
ADLs (activities of daily living) refer to those routine tasks that enable us to take care of ourselves: eating, bathing, getting dressed, toileting and transferring. Some are basic (like personal hygiene and grooming), while others are essential for living independently.
Age and health conditions, however, may cause functional decline or impairment in the ability to complete ADLs. These changes tend to take a gradual approach and may not become evident until later stages of physical or cognitive disability.
If a loved one is struggling to perform their ADLs independently, they may benefit from assistance from a live-in aide, family member or senior community. This can be on either a short or long term basis depending on the specific need and available resources to meet it.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation can be a major concern for family members and other caregivers who provide elderly care services. This is because creating nutritious meals that meet dietary restrictions can be quite challenging.
A live-in aide can assist you in creating a meal plan tailored to your loved one’s dietary requirements and preferences. They may also assist with grocery shopping and cooking tasks.
Preparing food ahead of time can save you time, money and the temptation of takeout or TV dinners. Not only that, but it also provides more variety in your diet while decreasing the intake of unhealthy foods.
Meal prepping can be a time-saving strategy that ensures you eat nutritious, health food each day. It also helps you stay on track with your nutrition goals by preventing overeating or indulging in excessive fat or sugar consumption.
Light Housekeeping
Light housekeeping can be a great aid for seniors with mobility issues or those who require medication at certain times of day. This service typically comes as part of an overall Care Plan designed to keep seniors safe and independent in their home environment.
Caregivers who take time out of their daily duties to clean can stop by and perform basic cleaning tasks like washing dishes, vacuuming, and emptying trash. They’re also capable of changing sheets and making beds, organizing counters, and organizing drawers and shelves.
Transportation
When living with elderly adults in one of the many housing programs available, getting around town is essential. A well-thought out transit plan can ensure a contented and healthy resident who spends more time at their destination than on the freeway or hospital. Public transportation is the cheapest option when avoiding expensive cab bills. Property managers have several online resources to help keep their residents moving; such as an app which provides digital maps and timetables for local buses, ferries and trains; plus contact info for regional and state public transport agencies along with schedules.
Companionship
Companion care is a non-medical home-care service that offers companionship and other assistance to aging adults and people with disabilities. This includes helping the recipients with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and preparing meals, according to Miner.
Caregivers not only offer emotional support and companionship to older adults, but they also help them remain active and engaged. They accompany seniors on doctor’s appointments, take them out for walks or other activities, as well as offering a listening ear.
Kariplow emphasizes that companionship can be especially helpful to aging adults in managing loneliness and isolation, as well as managing chronic illnesses and other medical conditions.