How to Ensure Independent Living for Aging Parents

HOME CARE FOR AGING PARENTS

According to a 2024 survey conducted by the U.S. News & World Report on adults age 55 and older, 95% of respondents say aging in place is an important goal for them. Fortunately, this is exactly what our home care services are designed to accomplish.

At En Su Casa, we understand how empowering it is for aging parents to live independently within the comfort of their own homes. Our Private Care Services and Personal Assistance Services provide the necessary support with daily activities of living to age safely in place. Our skilled staff can care for your parents regardless of health conditions or ability level. Services are provided by a caregiver who spends dedicated one-on-one time with your loved one.

In this blog, we’ll walk through ways that home care can help your aging parent continue to live independently with quality care and peace of mind. We’ll also help you navigate different care plans, and provide tips for ensuring your loved one’s home is prepped for independent living.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARE PLAN

Your aging parent likely has unique needs that are dynamic and constantly changing. Our team works with you to ensure they receive the right care plan. Important considerations for care plans include…

• What type of daily activities of living do they need assistance with? For example, bathing, dressing, grooming, transportation, meal prep, household chores, and appointment reminders.
• Do they need short-term or long-term assistance?
• Do they need specialized care for more advanced stages of certain illnesses, disabilities, or recovery?
• Do they need 24/7 supervision or part-time care?

Read our recent blog for more information on top criteria for choosing home care services. 

PREPARING THE HOME FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Once you’ve decided on a care plan, the next step is to ensure the home is suitable for independent living. Our services include a thorough in-home care assessment to evaluate each client’s needs and preferences. Prior to beginning services, an in-home safety check is conducted to identify potential hazards and offer solutions. We also provide frequent in-home evaluations and ongoing caregiver supervision.

In addition, home modifications are often necessary to improve safety and avoid potential hazards. This may include…

• Adding handrails to walkways, stairwells, and bathrooms.
• Ensuring all walkways, stairways, and rooms are well lit.
• Installing ramps or stairlifts in place of steep steps.
• Installing low-impact, slip-resistant flooring (e.g. rubber and cork).
• Adding non-skid backing to carpets to prevent curled carpet edges.
• Modifying bathrooms with non-skid mats, shower benches, and elevated toilet seats.
• Adding accessible door handles and cabinet pulls.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE

Even with the support of a caregiver, it’s important to ensure aging parents are prepared for the unexpected. We recommend always keeping an emergency kit stocked and easily accessible. Prep it with extra batteries, flashlights, water, blankets, clothing, prescriptions, and non-perishable food. In addition, keep an emergency contact list of close family and friends in an accessible area. This contact list should also include nearby resources and medical facilities.

You may want to consult with a doctor on whether a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace is needed. There are also options for emergency medical alert systems that can help monitor for falls, injuries, or urgent medical situations requiring assistance from emergency personnel.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

If you think your aging parent is ready to explore our home care options, En Su Casa can help! Call 210-922-2960 to speak with one of our coordinators for more assistance and to schedule your consultation.