The end of another year is just around the corner and it’s time for people to start thinking about their new year’s resolutions.
While most people will stick to the standard weight loss and income growth resolutions, people who rely on in-home healthcare may have some other personal resolutions in mind.
If you or a loved one were recently homebound because of an injury, procedural recovery, or progressive disease, here are 5 new year’s resolutions that can help you make the right physical and mental health adjustments.
Safety-Proof the Home
Unfortunately, the most dangerous falls are the results of accidents that occurred in a person’s own home. If an individual is just adjusting to being homebound, the chances are high that their home isn’t safety-proofed for their needs.
Take some time this holiday season to gather your family together and safety-proof the home. Safety-proofing can include:
- Reorganizing furniture
- Deep cleaning
- Installing bath and shower rails
- Replacing old lights throughout the home
- Securing all rugs to the floor, preventing a dangerous lift
Examine Your Long-Term Options
If an individual is homebound because of a progressive disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia, now is the time for a family to start considering their long-term options.
While most family members would like to believe they can provide in-home care around the clock, the truth is that burnout can and will happen.
Taking the time to explore in-home care options like skilled nursing, long-term home care or a home health aide can help improve a loved one’s quality of life in the long term and prevent burnout amongst caring family members.
Long-term in-home care options can cover some of a homebound person’s biggest essentials, including:
- Hygienic assistance
- Cooking assistance
- Light chores assistance
- Medication organization
- Help with shopping
- Help traveling to and from essential offsite appointments
Schedule Physical Therapy
The new year in Texas takes place during one of the coldest times of the year. Even if your loved one isn’t completely homebound, scheduling in-home physical therapy appointments can help them keep their joints moving without exposing them to adverse weather.
Physical therapy, especially at this time of the year, can help an individual regain confidence in their body, strengthen the muscles they do have in use, and most importantly, grant them a sense of independence, which helps ease potential emotional trauma surrounding their situation.
Get All Necessary Documents in Order
If you know that an individual is going to require long-term care, make one of your resolutions to get all of their documents and affairs in order.
Some of the most important documents to prepare for a long-term caregiver include:
- Medical records
- Insurance information
- Physician and specialist information
Aside from what your long-term caregiver may need, it is also important to retain all financial records and document a loved one’s assets for easy access when the need arises.
Start the New Year Right, With Angel Home Healthcare Services
If a person is homebound, daily activities can eventually become cumbersome and have safety risks. Don’t let your homebound loved ones lose their independence and quality of life.
The home healthcare experts of Angel Home Healthcare Services can provide our clients with long-term home health services, in-home therapy sessions, skilled nursing services, and more.
Trust us to provide the quality, reliable care that your loved ones deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your in-home consultation.