April 10, 2014 by
Aging can bring about a number of lifestyle changes, and perhaps the hardest of these is the ability to remain safely and independently at home. But is life in a nursing home an unavoidable option? Before making the unalterable decision to sell your loved one’s home and move him or her into a long-term care facility, take the time to completely assess conditions and prognosis, formal and informal support systems, and financial ability for care.
The information below can help start the decision-making process.
- Look at Activities of Daily Living Needs: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are simply activities that people engage in on a daily basis. These activities are fundamental to caring for oneself and maintaining independence, such as bathing, getting dressed, getting in or out of bed or a chair, using the toilet, eating and getting around or walking.
- Look at Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: These are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money (writing checks, paying bills), shopping for groceries or personal items, maintaining a residence/performing housework (e.g. laundry, cleaning), taking medications, using a telephone, handling mail and traveling via car or public transportation.
At Home Independent Living’s Syracuse elderly home care experts are helping New York’s frail and elderly every day to remain at home rather than face a move to a nursing home or assisted living facility, with services that range from hourly services any time of day as needed to 24/7 live-in care. Contact us today at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to further discuss options to help your loved one.