For your dad to age at home, he needs to be able to care for himself. The activities of daily living that are important range from getting showered and dressed to keeping a clean home. If your dad struggles with these activities, elder care services may become necessary. Here are daily chores your dad should be able to do by himself.
Bathing, Grooming, and Dressing
Your dad needs to be able to take a shower, get dressed, and groom himself. He needs to be able to wash dirt, body sweat and oils, and germs from his body on a regular basis. If not, he can wind up with body odors or bacteria that lead to infected sores.
Grooming tasks include shaving, trimming finger and toenails, and brushing his hair. He also needs to be able to dress appropriately for the weather. In the summer, he needs to be in lighter clothing that won’t cause him to overheat. In the winter, he needs to dress in layers to make sure he is warm enough, especially if he goes outside for a walk. He needs to know to put a jacket, hat, and gloves on before he leaves the house.
Cleaning the House
Your dad should be able to wash and put away his dishes. He should be vacuuming weekly, changing his sheets and towels regularly, doing the laundry, and dusting. He needs to be able to keep his counters and food prep surfaces sterile. He also needs to clean his toilet and sinks.
Health
Cooking and eating nutritious meals is important. He also needs to be taking any medications his doctor prescribed for health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Your dad should be seeing a doctor at least once a year for check-ups and a dentist twice a year.
Mobility
Finally, your dad should be able to get out of bed without falling. He should be able to walk from one room to the next and get up and down stairs safely. He also needs to be able to get off the sofa or chair without difficulty.
When your dad struggles to complete activities of daily living, it’s important to get help. Caregivers can help with transfers, grooming, and meal preparation. They can also drive your dad to appointments and help him with light housework. He won’t have to move from his home, but he’s not struggling to complete his daily tasks.
Learn more about the services caregivers in his area offer. Call an elder care agency to get started.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Omaha, NE, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors® Greater Omaha at (402) 215-0308 today.