Comfort Home Care

Maryland In-Home Care Agency

Serving Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince George's County and Washington DC
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What Are Activities of Daily Living?

Help with Activities of Daily LivingWhen in assisted-care, loved ones often are there for a variety of reasons, ranging from poor mental health to simple immobility. There is often a range of things that loved ones cannot do on their own and they will need help. When this happens, it is pertinent to get the help that the loved one needs by hiring a caregiver. However, it can be difficult to know when to hire a caregiver and how they will be useful to a household. Knowing their strengths, limitations, and what daily activities they are authorized to assist with is very important when making the decision of if a caregiver is the right choice.

Caregiver Qualifications

Most caregivers are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). They do not administer medicine and are not trained in medicine. They are simply medically trained living assistants. Their duties cover a wide range of needs called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). CNAs are trained to help with ADLs at the most basic level. Further help with non-essential activities is just an added bonus!

The ADLs

Activities of Daily Living cover most activities that are essential to a healthy, everyday life. These are the things that most people can do on their own everyday without needing assistance. However, once mobility becomes limited, assistance may be necessary to complete some of these activities to live a healthy, happy life.

Eating:

As our bodies age, we need more and more vitamin-packed meals, which can be hard to make ourselves. A CNA is able to help in the kitchen, whether by administering meals, prepping the meals days in advance for easy reheating, or by cooking and serving meals every day. CNAs can work with individuals and their loved ones to create an eating plan that benefits everyone, especially the loved one.

Bathing:

Although this takes some time to get used to, being bathed by another individual is something that eventually most people will face. Lack of full range of motion or mobility can make it hard for anyone to properly clean themselves. Because of this, many must face the reality that they need help. CNAs are there to help with bathing, all while fostering a comfortable environment for the loved one.

Dressing/Hygiene:

Much like with bathing, remembering to wear clean clothes everyday or to put on deodorant, brush teeth, and brush hair are all things that could become of least importance when mobility is limited. It might be too hard to even get out of bed, let alone dress (especially if one will be in the home all day anyway). CNAs are there to encourage loved ones to dress properly, take care of themselves, and use proper hygiene every day, regardless of who is coming over or if they might be leaving the home. Proper hygiene can eliminate bacteria that might get them sick, so it is important for CNAs to help patients clean themselves everyday.

Toileting/Continence:

This subject, too, can be difficult for some who prefer to be more independent. However, it is a type of assistance that patients may need at some point down the road. CNAs are trained to assist in every way possible, while still assuring the loved one still feels independent. Because of this, the loved one will only receive help if it is necessary, and the CNA will handle the situation while upholding the loved one’s integrity at all times.

Transportation:

Whether walking them to the park, driving them to a doctor’s appointment, or helping them in and out of bed, CNAs are there to help loved ones with limited mobility. Their role is simply to assist in any way they can to ease the load of stress put on loved ones by their lack of mobility. CNAs can provide reliable transportation as well as arrangements to get them from point A to point B without any extra stress on the loved one.

CNAs and Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily LivingIt is important to know the needs of the loved one before finding a CNA to help, just to make sure they are comfortable performing the tasks needed. Overall, most CNAs are more than willing to help anyone live their life comfortably all while upholding the integrity and happiness of the loved one. Although not medical specialist, CNAs are trained to keep loved ones as happy and healthy as they can be. Everyone, at some point, needs help with ADLs and CNAs are there to assure comfort, happiness, and health!

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn why couples care is an affordable solution for families.

In-Home Care Providers: Agency Vs. Independent Contractors

Agency Vs. Independent In-home Care Provider
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics about Agency Vs. Independent Contractors In-Home Care Providers.

Need Help Selecting an In-Home Caregiver?

how to pick an in-home care provider
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics before you choose!

Is it Time for In-Home Care

Is it Time for In-Home Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a to know when to use In-Home Care? Read our guide "Is it Time for In-Home Care"!

A Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care

Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a guide for In-home dementia care? Read our family guide for In-home dementia care!

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know what to do after coming home from rehab? Read our guide "Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?"!

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the changing care needs of parkinson's disease ? Read our guide "The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients"!

Understanding Strokes and Recovery

Understanding Strokes and Recovery
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the warning signs of strokes? Read our guide "Understanding Strokes and Recovery"!

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121 Congressional Lane, Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20852
4000 Albermarle St., NW, Suite LL15 Washington D.C., 20016
301-984-7681

During this period of uncertainty, we want you to know that we are here for you and your family!

Comfort Home care is an essential business and we will, therefore, be operating normal hours.

We take safety seriously and our professional caregivers will follow our strict protocols in addition to adhering with CDC, federal, state and local guidelines.

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