With an aging population comes the need for additional caregiver resources. In fact, more than one in four Americans aged 50 or older are now caregivers. Whether you’re caring for an aging loved one or work as a home health care aide, you’re likely met with a series of challenges and obstacles on a daily basis. Being a caregiver is often a demanding job and can take a lot out of you, both emotionally and physically. However, it is important to remember that while you’re taking care of someone else, you also need to take care of yourself.
At 101 Mobility, we’re proud to provide top-of-the-line mobility equipment to those aging in place and strive to support deserving caregivers who work hard to keep those they care about protected. We’re sharing resources and advice for caregivers in the hopes of providing much-deserved support. Read on to get advice for caregivers of elderly parents and explore the tools we offer to help you while supporting aging parents—and yourself.
What Is a Care Plan?
An at-home care plan is a document that details your loved one’s or patient’s unique health needs. It should include specifics about their medical conditions, their treatment plan, medications taken, health history, and information about their care goals. Often used by health professionals who specialize in in-home senior care, this guide can be a huge help when it comes to properly caring for someone with a unique set of needs and is one of many excellent caregiving resources for the elderly at home.
Using a care plan can help you better balance your caregiving duties with your personal life, as you’ll have access to all the information you need in one place and can prioritize your caregiving activities accordingly. Learn more about creating a care plan and how this may be a viable option for you and your family. Plus, get advice for caregivers of elderly parents, explore elder care tips, and check out our care checklist to help with supporting your aging parents with day-to-day tasks.
Caregiver vs. Home Health Aide
While there are of course some exceptions, the title of someone caring for another person usually falls into two categories: caregiver and home health aide. While it is always best to operate in a way that’s right for your situation, sometimes it is important to make this distinction in order to set expectations and have a better understanding of your responsibilities. Learn more about each type:
Caregivers: This is a more general and unofficial title for someone caring for elderly parents at home. A caregiver can be a spouse, child, or friend. Caregivers are unlicensed and untrained, often caring for a loved one in need.
Home Health Aides: These professionals are licensed and provide in-home senior care through a structured care plan, often under the order and supervision of a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare provider. Home health aides typically are hired to take care of someone, but serve many of the same functions of a caregiver.
One major difference between the two types of care is the creation of a care plan and medication administration. If you’re a caregiver and are caring for elderly parents at home, there is understandably more flexibility and communication between you and the person in need of care. Family members will often make decisions best for their loved one and are able to give permission for procedures, care changes, and more. Home health aides will strictly follow the care plan and may have restrictions when it comes to what they are allowed to do, such as making diagnoses, changing dressings, and more.
Want advice for caregivers of elderly parents? If you’re currently a caregiver supporting aging parents, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are parent caregiver resources out there and a home health aide may be a helpful option to explore. To find one in your area, to locate other caregiving resources for the elderly at home, or to get elder care tips, you can reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or ask your doctor what they recommend.
Caregiving and Stairs
There are many activities that can be challenging for those aging in place or those struggling with mobility. Among the most difficult is climbing the stairs. This is unfortunately where falls often occur, making stairs a risk for injury. Whether you’re a caregiver or a home health aide, helping someone up the stairs is no easy task. You’ll want to make sure you don’t harm them or yourself in the process. If you are an employee, follow home health aide advice by making sure you consult the agreed upon care plan and know the specific rules around helping someone in this position. While helping someone up the stairs can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be scary. There are many tools you can use to help get the job done, reduce physical strain—and keep everyone safe. Get advice for caregivers of elderly parents. Explore a few helpful products along with mobility solutions we offer at 101 Mobility:
- Cane: A cane enables the user to better support their body weight and adds an extra layer of stability when climbing up the stairs. Users should hold onto the handrail, using the opposite hand to hold the cane, relying on the strongest leg to lead. There are also special stair climbing canes that are designed to make stairways more accessible through the creation of half steps.
- Wheelchair Ramp: If the person you are caring for is in a wheelchair, ramps are an invaluable resource to explore. They can make it easier to access the entrance of a home and other areas with an incline, reducing caregiver strain, making them one of the best parent caregiver resources to explore.
- Stairlift: Stairlifts can be installed along a variety of unique staircases, helping those with mobility issues easily ascend the levels of a home, preventing extra strain and the possibility of a fall in the process. Learn more about how stairlifts can help make caregiving easier.
- Additional Home Modifications: From lift chairs and grab bars to home elevators and lifts, explore our other mobility products. You can also opt for more permanent home solutions, like a whole bathroom renovation to make your caregiving tasks easier—and your home safer. See how our mobility products are changing lives, get elder care tips, and learn more about caregiving resources for the elderly at home.
Additional Caregiver Resources
In addition to mobility solutions that can help you with the physical demands of caregiving, there are also many caregiving resources for the elderly at home available to help you with the mental demands. Taking care of someone you love is no easy task. If you’re looking for advice for caregivers of elderly parents, there are a few things to keep in mind. Remember to prioritize your health and seek social support when you can. Consider going to therapy or joining a support group. Even if you are working as a home health aide providing in-home senior care, you may benefit from talking to friends and family or reaching out for support. Explore resources for caregivers to find the help right for you.
Feeling overwhelmed? When supporting aging parents, it’s also important to prioritize some time for yourself. Go for a walk, read a book, and get someone else to watch your loved one for a while. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when caring for elderly parents at home and focus on the things you can do, instead of the things you can’t. Caregiving can be stressful, but also rewarding. Learn more about managing stress as a caregiver and explore additional elder care tips.
We’re in This Together
No matter what your unique caregiving situation looks like, it is important to go easy on yourself and take it one day at a time. You’re selflessly taking care of someone who needs a helping hand—no small task. 101 Mobility is also here to help remove some of the heavy lifting, making things more comfortable and safe for the person you’re caring for and yourself. We’re ready with free in-home consultations, ongoing service and support, and a variety of parent caregiver resources designed to help you stay informed on the best elder care tips. Explore our stairlifts, ramps, and our full range of products to find what works best for your caregiving needs. Let’s get you up and running with the mobility products you need to properly care for your loved one—and give yourself peace of mind.
