6 Things You Might Not Know About Senior Care

At Visiting Angels, we receive calls every day from daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, and spouses who know that their loved one needs help but have no idea what kind of help is available or right for them.

This post is intended to help anyone navigating caring for a senior on what homecare with Visiting Angels can offer and how it can be used in tandem with other health and caregiving options for seniors.

Here's what to know about senior care in Grosse Pointe, MI, and the surrounding areas:

Caregivers can help with all things hygiene-related

One of the most important things that our caregivers do for their clients is to make sure they are maintaining healthy levels of hygiene at all times. Bathing and toileting can be difficult for some seniors, and it is a big strain on family members to have to help with these very physically demanding tasks.

Our caregivers can also help dementia clients remember to brush their teeth, floss, shave, etc.

Caregivers can help with transfers

Another common need amongst families with a senior member is transferring them from the chair to a wheelchair, in and out of bed, and on and off the toilet or shower bench. This is something that our caregivers are trained in and are able to help with, whether it’s during a regular shift, or as a part of an “Angel Visit”, where a caregiver comes to help tuck your loved one into bed at night or get them transferred to their chair in the morning. Angel Visits are also used for shower or bath visits.

Caregivers can help with meal prep and hydrating

A very common issue with the seniors we care for is rapid weight loss and dehydration. Our caregivers are not only talented cooks, but they also know the importance of encouraging their clients to eat consistently and hydrate. Sometimes, all it takes is a caring companion to help create a favorite meal and sit down at the table to provide a mealtime companion to encourage a loved one to eat and drink more regularly.

And remember, once a client goes into the hospital and/or rehab for dehydration, it is an uphill battle to get them back home and back to their previous strength. Be on the constant lookout for dehydration, and report any rapid weight loss to your loved one’s doctor immediately.

Caregivers can help with light housekeeping

A caregiver with Visiting Angels is intended to be an expert you can rely on to do all of the things YOU would like to do if you were able to be home 24/7 with your loved one. Sometimes that means that what your family needs is someone who can help with the chores and housekeeping that goes along with maintaining a household.

Our caregivers are ready and able to help with laundry, vacuuming, dishes, dusting, and other light housekeeping tasks that their clients used to do themselves. They also act as a second pair of eyes to alert you of any repairs that need to be done or any fall risks or other dangers that creep up in the home.

Groceries, advocacy, and more.

Caregivers are also available to help your loved one make grocery lists and can even go to the store to get whatever they need. The caregiver is there to provide a voice for their client whether they need to answer the phone and take down messages or speak with any neighbors or maintenance people who stop by the home. The caregiver is there to be an advocate for your loved one at all times, making sure they are staying healthy, staying safe, and living their best life.

Medication reminders and medical visits

Lastly, our caregivers are able to remind your family member about the medication they need to take every day, They can also accompany your loved one to doctor's visits, and even continue to provide caregiving services in the hospital or rehab facility if it ever becomes necessary. Our caregivers can work in assisted living facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, or anywhere else your loved one needs care.

Contact our office to learn more!

We understand that getting started with senior care often starts with gathering research. You may be the point person, taking in all the options in order to report back to siblings or relatives. We're here to help answer any questions you may have about in-home senior care services and how our Angel Caregivers can support your loved one's independent lifestyle in the comfort and safety of home.

Call our office or complete the contact form here on our website. We're happy to help!