Your Guide to In Home Personal Care

The 2018 Ultimate Guide to In Home Personal Care

I moved in with my mother while going thru a tough divorce never thinking I’d actually end up being mom’s in home personal care aide. I figured I’d be there just a few weeks or months. A few short weeks later mom came close to having a stroke and that’s when the doctor discussed with the family that our mom couldn’t live alone any longer. That’s when the in-home care began.

After mom was released from the hospital maybe a week later a social worker came by to see if mom needed anything to make her care better. During the visit the social worker focused his attention on me and asked “Donna would you like to get paid for what you are already doing?

House cleaning chores is just a small part of being an in home personal care aide.

DUH!!

Who wouldn’t, right? That’s when the process began and I was suddenly mom’s In Home Caregiver and I was getting paid. What a blessing in disguise. That was sixteen years ago and maybe even longer.
We’ve had our ups and downs believe me but I am proud that I’ve been able to keep her home where she really wanted to be.

What’s the alternative…nursing home or strangers coming in to care for her.

Is in home care with a family member better and how does it differ from in home care thru a local caregiver agency?

Personal care can be given by a family member or a certified caregiver who has had formal training.

A family caregiver

  • Already knows the aging parents routine.
  • Knows what they like and dislike.
  • Will become their advocate.
  • Will keep a closer eye out for different situations that a certified caregiver will not or cannot.
  • Will make the aging parent feel more comfortable rather than a strange skilled in home care person.
  • Will be more attentive and sensitive.

How personal care helps the elderly parent living at home have a more vibrant life.

It’s important because you’re making a difference in your parent’s life every day.  Share a laugh and these will be treasures for you to cherish. These cherished moments can also act as fuel to keep you hanging in there with all the ups and downs. Looking back on your journey, you will remember those tender moments.

Not all your caregiving is rewarding. Some may be disgusting at times and personal care goes bad. The fact that our aging parent may not want to take a bath or even change clothes.
They may simply forget. This doesn’t necessarily cause a health problem but oh boy it can cause people to not want to be around you.

By a family member providing personal care for their aging parent helps them live cleaner, happier and safer lives in the end.

Disposable underwear can help the aging parent and less stress for the caregiver.

4 simple in home personal care tips that will save you time and energy.

  1. Let them do as much as possible for themselves just be there.
  2. Ask your elderly parent if they need help with their bathe or shower.
  3. Get them to drink as much water as possible.
  4. Remind them to change undies more often (major cause of uti per our family doctor)

6 responses to “Your Guide to In Home Personal Care”

    • Prayer was the main thing that got me thru. My mom just passed away. I’m so sorry I haven’t been on here to answer. Mom got bad and I was forced to step back but I’m here now. Thank you for your comment.

    • Thank you for your comment. I know my answer is way overdue. My mother got bad and I had no time to jump on.

      Oh I understand what you mean by being taken for granted. They don’t know what they don’t know.

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