What Support is Available in my Home

Many people don't know about the numerous services, programs and resources available to help an adult stay safely in their home. These days the options are nearly limitless. It’s not always cheap but you can get almost any type of help you want in your home. Here are just a few services you may want to consider. 

Personal care
If you find it is becoming increasingly difficult bathing, washing your hair or getting dressed there is assistance available. Of course, you can always reach out to a friend or relative, but you can also hire a professional in-home care giver even for a few hours a day and just a few days a week.
 
Household chores
Do you need help with chores like housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, or laundry? If you already have in in home care giver scheduled many of them will help with light household chores. Things like shopping have gotten much easier with the rise of online shopping. Many online retailers will deliver goods directly to your front door, others will allow you to order online and have it ready for you to pick up at the local store. There are numerous cleaning and yard services you can hire, be sure to check their online reviews or speak to someone you trust for a recommendation.
 
Meals
Worried that you might not be eating nutritious meals? Meal kits are all the rage these days. Services such as Blue Apron or Hello Fresh deliver all the pre-measured ingredients you need to prepare delicious chef inspired meals right in your own home. You choose what you like and how often you would like meals delivered.  Meal delivery programs such as Meals on Wheels will bring hot meals into your home. Some of these programs are free or low-cost but not necessary only for those who cannot afford meals. Often these programs will deliver a meal to any senior who has trouble leaving the house or preparing meals themselves for a suggested donation per meal.
 
Money management
Online bill paying is available from most banks and it is easy to set up automatic payments so you can be sure important bills are payed on time. If you need help setting this up, you may be able to set an appoint in person at your bank to get things going. Volunteers, financial counselors, or Certified Senior Advisors can also help. You can also contact your utilities companies or mortgage company and ask to have your bill paid automatically from your checking account. Be careful to avoid money scams. Always check all bills and bank statements for charges you do not recognize.
 
Health care
Remembering to take medications on time everyday can be difficult for anyone. There are numerous tools available to remind you when it is time for your next dose, special pill boxes that allow you set out your pills for an entire week or even medication dispensers that will remind you to take your meds and dispense the right dose at the right time. Have you just gotten out of the hospital and still need nursing care at home for a short time? Medicare might pay for a home health aide to come to your home.
Doctors’ visits can be stressful and it’s easy to forget things you wanted to talk about or things that they told you to do. More and more doctors are offering telehealth services in place of in person visits. Prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss before your visit. It can also be helpful to bring a trusted family member or caregiver with you to the appointment. Don’t be afraid to write down any instructions or recommendations that your doctor gives your or ask them to put it in writing for you.
 
This list just scratches the surface of the services that may be available to you in your home. If you are not sure where to start reach out to a Lifestage Certified Senior Advisor today.

​Phone 509.473.9956
Fax 509.443.5035 
[email protected]