Comfort Home Care

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Serving Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Washington, D.C.
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Safely Caring For Elderly Parents At Home

Your parents were always there for you when you were growing up.  They did so much to care for you, but now as they age it is your chance to care for them.  As with infants and young children, safety is always a major concern for elderly people.  You can take certain steps to help reduce the chance of accidents while you are caring for elderly parents at home.

  1. Falls:  An elderly person’s fall can be disastrous.  Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and painful fractures can occur easily in a fall.  There are a variety of hidden obstacles that can lead to a bad fall.  Start with assessing staircases.  Can your parent navigate steps easily, should you install a chair lift or is it possible to have them live downstairs?.  Do your parents need to use a cane to continue to be mobile?  Slippery floors  in the bathroom and kitchen also need to be assessed and taken care of.  Are the rugs securely set in place or can they slide around or bunch up?  
  2. Medication Mistakes: Many seniors are on several medications with a variety of dosing times.  Are you set up to monitor and supervise detailed medication schedules?  You may need to set up medication trays to set a daily schedule, as well as alarms to notify dosing times.  Many seniors may forget if they have already taken a dose and a checks and balance system should be put in place to ensure they take their medications at the proper times and in the correct dosages.
  3. Medical Emergencies: We do not like to think about something happening to our loved ones, but you must be prepared for a variety of emergencies.  A first aid kit should be easily assessable and fully stocked.  You may want to invest in special equipment such as an AED device in the event of an emergency.  Medical alert bracelets and alarms are also a good idea in an emergency.  
  4. Supervision: As with small children, caring for elderly parents at home requires good supervision.  Do you have a plan for who will watch over your parents in case you are ill or need to leave the house for errands or appointments.  Caregivers need to also take time for themselves so they don’t become overwhelmed and suffer from burn out.
  5. Monitoring Health Concerns:  How well prepared are you to recognize health warnings and concerns?  Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke?  Are you able to provide basic nursing care when needed such as preventing bed sores and changing wound dressings?  Do you need the assistance of a trained medical nurse or aide while caring for elderly parents at home?

All of these concerns should be addressed when assessing the safety of your loved ones.  Your parent’s home may need updating to accommodate their changing needs.  You may also require assistance for medical care and supervising your loved ones.  By answering these questions now, you can avoid future problems for your elderly parent’s care.

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 Albemarle St., NW, Suite LL15 Washington, D.C., 20016
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