How to Help Seniors with Activities of Daily Living

For seniors, one of the key factors of aging in place successfully is support from other people. Whether those people are designated caregivers, hired in-home help, or friends and family that drop by from time to time, having help is essential for maintaining safety and quality of life as seniors get older. 

If you're new to the caregiver experience, however, knowing what kind of help to provide isn't always straightforward—not to mention, some people find it awkward to ask their loved ones what kind of activities or chores they need help with. 

Of course, each individual's specific needs will be different depending on their situation. If you're feeling lost about how to help a senior citizen with a daily schedule, the following areas are a good place to start:

Transportation

For many seniors, driving becomes difficult or impossible as they age. Public transportation is a good alternative for seniors who are no longer able to operate a vehicle, but unfortunately, it's not available to everyone. And yet, transportation is still an essential need for seniors in order to do their grocery shopping, attend doctors' appointments, and run other errands. 

If you're able, consider offering to pick your loved one up once or twice a week and drive them to their appointments or errands. (Bonus: car rides together can be a great way to get in some extra quality time!) Alternatively, if your schedule or means won't allow you to drive them places, help your loved one by making sure they're comfortable navigating the public transit system in your area (if one is available) or teaching them how to use a rideshare app. 

Household Chores

Houses require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, and tasks like cleaning, laundry, and other home care chores fall into the category of instrumental activities of daily living. For many seniors, these things become more difficult as their mobility and energy decreases.

If your loved one is struggling to keep up with their home but is otherwise independent, consider helping them by offering to stop by once a week and take out the trash, mow the lawn, or take care of more strenuous cleaning duties. 

Meals

Good nutrition is a crucial component of maintaining health for seniors. Cooking and preparing meals is another instrumental activity of daily living that can be negatively impacted by seniors' mobility challenges. Moreover, seniors whose appetites have decreased or who live alone might decide that the effort of preparing a meal and cleaning up afterward isn't worth it, and resort to less nutritious foods as a result. 

Help with preparing nutritious meals can be invaluable for seniors. If you cook regularly at home, you might set aside meals for your loved one and deliver them when you have a chance. Alternatively, you might visit their home and spend a few hours preparing a large meal that can be easily frozen and eaten later (such as stew), ensuring that they always have an easily accessible supply of nutritious food at home. If neither of those are feasible for you, consider looking into meal delivery services in your area. 

If you're interested in learning more about successful aging in place for seniors, we can help! PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options