The Importance Of Activities For Daily Living
Most of us take all the mundane things we do in our daily lives for granted. We get up in the morning, make our beds, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and then begin the series of activities we have planned for the day. Most of us don’t give these tasks a second thought until an illness, injury or issues with aging prevent us from performing them independently.
A reality of life is somewhere along the line, most people will need the help of others to perform what health care professionals term activities for daily living. This includes everything a person does on a regular basis, such as personal hygiene routines, meal preparations, household chores and recreational activities. If someone is disabled to the point that he or she can’t do these simple yet essential activities on their own, caregiver assistance typically becomes necessary.
Health and home care professionals recognize the importance of activities for daily living. Recent studies that about two-thirds of adults 65 years of age and older need help with such things as eating, bathing and mobility in and out of the home. One of the downsides of our longer lifespans is that the older we get, the more assistance we will require to perform the simple, daily living routines that positively impact our health and well-being.
The good news is that the physical and mental challenges associated with aging do not have to take away an older adult’s ability to live independently. With the right assistance and support, seniors can maintain their sense of independence and continue to live safely and comfortably at home. By enlisting the help of home care professionals – also known as caregivers – older adults can get the right type and amount of help they need to live life on their own terms and in their own homes.
Home care is a godsend to families who for whatever reason cannot provide the assistance their loved ones require. It gives them peace of mind knowing that an older family member is being cared for by someone trained to identify and provide for their daily living needs. Contrary to what some people assume, home care is not a maid or butler service. Caregivers are not there to do everything for seniors, but rather to work with them and show them how to get involved in their own care to the level of their capabilities. When seniors participate in completing their own daily living activities, they are better able to maintain their personal dignity and sense of independence which are two factors that contribute to their continued good health and well-being.
Not all seniors have the same needs with respect to daily living assistance. In many situations, older adults can safely age in place at home with limited help such as contracting a maid service for household chores. Adult activity and day care centers are another are another smart option because it gives seniors easy access to prepared meals, recreational activities and in some cases, healthcare counseling and related services. Trips outside the home for medical appointments, retail shopping and visits to their places of worship can be arranged by a variety of transportation services including some that are offered at no cost. Many seniors can live well independently if instructed on how to do online shopping for home delivery of meals, groceries and other necessities.
Whatever the situation, the important thing is to have an honest discussion with your elder loved one to determine what type and amount of daily living assistance they require now and in the months that follow. They’ll appreciate the help and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind knowing they are being watched over and cared for in the best possible ways.
