Looking In On Loved Ones When You’re Not Around

Have you checked on Nan and Pops today? It’s a question familiar to many families of independently living seniors. Checking in regularly with our elder loved ones is one essential way to help them to maintain both physical and emotional health. But sometimes being there for your elder relatives and friends can be challenging. Work and other life obligations can get in the way, making regular visits more difficult.

More recently, social distancing guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have added to the problem, by making us more cautious about interacting with others. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the physical effects of the coronavirus, and precautions designed to keep them safe can leave many feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed.

Fortunately, there is a solution.

An In-Home Caregiver Can Be There When You Can’t

If you’ve ever wished someone could be with your senior loved ones when you can’t? A qualified in-home caregiver may be the answer. A licensed and trained in-home caregiver can provide the vital support your loved one needs—both to help them stay independent and to help them maintain physical and emotional health.

Tracking Medications and Dosing

 As we age, many of us are faced with taking an increasing number of daily medications. For seniors with cognitive or memory deficits, keeping track of dosing schedules for multiple meds can be a challenge. An in-home caregiver can help by reviewing your loved one’s current medications and ensuring that all meds are taken on time and as directed. An in-home caregiver can also check refill status on medications, and can ensure that your loved one makes all scheduled medical appointments.

Checking Food Freshness

It’s important for all independently living seniors to know that the foods they’re preparing and eating are fresh and healthy. An in-home caregiver can take your loved one to the market, can assist in making healthy food choices, and can help assure that any foods beyond their expiration dates are discarded. In some cases, an in-home caregiver can help your loved one prepare and serve meals, and can label and store leftovers for later.

Assisting with Light Household Chores

For independently living elders, even simple household chores can be put off or missed. An in-home caregiver can provide your elder loved ones with minor household duties and can set reminders when certain jobs (like collecting and setting out trash) need to be done. Helping to keep a clean, orderly, and functional household is also a great way to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Providing Emotional Support

One of the most often reported challenges faced by independently living seniors is a lack of emotional support. Often seniors lose vital connections with others. Retirement, social isolation, or loss of a spouse can leave seniors feeling cut-off and adrift. And when family members can’t be present, an in-home caregiver can be a listener, a comfort, and even a friend—providing compassionate emotional support to seniors in need.

At 5 Star Home Care, we understand the importance of maintaining both the emotional and physical health of independently living seniors. Our professional caregivers are trained to provide supportive in-home care in a client’s familiar surroundings. And all our workers adhere to CDC guidelines for patient safety (including use of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment) to help minimize the risks presented by COVID-19.

Can’t visit your elder relatives as often as you like? Are COVID-19 guidelines keeping your senior relatives isolated? 5 Star Home Care’s compassionate and professional team can help. Contact us today!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today