When your dad is diagnosed with a chronic disease or condition, you’ll start wondering if it’s safe for him to be home alone. You want to talk to him about assisted living. The thought of having professionals checking in on him ease your worries.
Home Care in Stockton CA: In Home Care With Chronic Illness
Your dad isn’t willing to consider assisted living. He does not want to move to a new location. He likes his home. He’s comfortable there. He doesn’t want to live in a community where there are lots of rules and schedules. He wants to age at home. Here’s how you can make it possible for him to stay safe and age in his home.
Talk to His Doctor
Start by finding out what your dad is going to need in terms of care. If he’s still mobile, he may not need too much. His doctor will be able to inform you about dietary restrictions, medications, exercise needs, and things to watch for.
Educate Yourself
You’ll need to educate yourself as to what the chronic condition entails. If he has high blood pressure, learn how to take a blood pressure reading. Find out which symptoms require urgent medical help at an ER and which can be delayed until the doctor has an opening. If he had diabetes, find out how to administer insulin and how to check his blood sugar levels.
Talk to Family Members
Make sure everyone of importance knows what’s going on. There are apps that can help you share important information about the chronic condition. Keep tabs on when your dad ate, when he took medications, or when he last checked his blood pressure, pulse, or blood sugars.
You can post a list of upcoming appointments and see who is available to drive him. Track those readings in caregiver apps. If there are scheduling conflicts, you’ll be able to have a caregiver handy for safe transportation.
Hire a Caregiver
Hire a caregiver. If he has high cholesterol or high blood pressure and must take medications, medication reminders are important. His caregiver reminds him when to take his medications. Caregivers can also take him shopping and prepare meals that match his dietary needs when he has diabetes or one of the other chronic health conditions.
Discuss your dad’s care needs with a professional at an elder care agency. The representative can walk you through services that will help your dad age at home. You’ll be able to find out pricing and how it all works. Call an elder care agency now and help your dad age safely at home.