May 19, 2023
Many of us have been there. You’re asleep and wake up to a call that your dad has been taken to the hospital. You’ve arrived at the hospital and learned that your dad had a stroke. He’ll be okay, but it will take time, therapeutic services, and the help of elder care.
For now, he’s in the hospital getting the treatment he needs. His team of doctors and the hospital’s patient advocate have advised you that he can go to a nursing home for rehabilitation or head home once he’s released. If he’s to go home, you have to arrange supportive care. What kind of care is he going to need?
Your dad cannot shower independently for now. An elder care provider can help him get into the shower and make sure he’s sitting on the shower seat. The caregiver will wash his body and hair, rinse him off, and shave his face if needed.
If your dad needs his nails trimmed, his caregiver can do it. Caregivers can apply skin cream, style your dad’s hair, help him with oral care, and make sure he’s dressed for the weather.
Your dad will not have the stamina to fully clean his home. He may be able to manage small tasks like dusting or folding laundry, but he’s not going to be able to carry laundry baskets, push a heavy vacuum around, or wash heavy dishes.
Elder care providers can also take over housekeeping chores like taking out the trash and recyclables, sweeping and vacuuming floors, and putting away laundry. They can change his sheets and towel, make the bed with clean sheets, and wipe down surfaces like counters and stovetops.
Your dad’s caregiver can cook meals that match his needs. He might need to switch to a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet. His caregiver will take the menus you and your dad decide upon and make sure the groceries are in hand. Caregivers can do the shopping or help your dad shop.
When it’s time for a meal or snack, the caregiver can prepare it, help your dad eat, and keep him company if he’s able to feed himself. Once the meal is done, the caregiver cleans the table, washes dishes, and puts clean dishes away.
Toileting is one of the care needs your dad is likely to have and may not feel comfortable having your help. Hire professional elder care providers to help him get on and off the toilet and clean up after using it. If he has accidents, which is common, his caregiver is there to help him change his clothes or incontinence garments and clean up.
Your dad can’t drive. Following his stroke, he’ll need his doctors to tell him when it’s safe to drive. In some areas, he may need to complete driver rehabilitation first. For now, others need to drive him. He can have caregivers and family members bring him to appointments, accompany him when running errands, or bring him to support groups.
Arrange elder care services as soon as you know what will be a priority. Once caregivers start working with your dad, they can help you determine if services should be added or removed from his care plan. Talk to an elder care specialist to get started making your dad’s stroke care plan.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Pittsburgh, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
