Managing long-term conditions with home health care services helps seniors maintain independence.

Did you ever wake up and realize, as soon as you got out of bed, it was going to be “one of those days?” Maybe you overslept, tripped over the dog, and then remembered you were out of coffee. These small inconveniences, however, pale in comparison of what over 50% of all adults in the United States are facing every day: managing long-term conditions that impact health and overall wellness.

Whether it’s diabetes, cancer, heart disease, dementia, or any of a great many other serious and debilitating health problems, simply getting through the everyday routine is often a struggle. And unsurprisingly, these challenges make it tough to maintain a positive outlook on life.

Live Free Home Health Care’s award-winning home care team is able to help in both of these areas. As an alternative to Franklin adult day care services, we offer highly-customized hands-on, in-home support with the daily tasks that can become overwhelming, along with emotional support.

Making Activities of Daily Living Easier to Manage

Think through your own daily routine when you’re at home:

  • A morning shower
  • Cooking breakfast
  • Making the bed
  • Sorting and taking care of laundry
  • Dusting and cleaning the house
  • Fixing lunch
  • Paying bills
  • Running to the grocery store and other errands
  • Organizing a closet
  • Planning and making dinner
  • Cleaning up again!
  • Preparing for bed

Now imagine trying to perform all of those tasks while impacted by the side effects of chemotherapy; or in the midst of cognitive decline; or while pulling around an oxygen tank. An in-home caregiver can help with these, along with other mundane but necessary tasks, freeing up time and energy for the senior to relax and participate in enjoyable pastimes.

Lifting an Older Adult’s Spirits

It’s rather common for individuals managing long-term conditions to struggle to maintain a life of joy and to ward off depression. Our caregivers provide cheerful companionship that lets seniors know they are cared for. Through conversations, exercise programs, participating in hobbies and interests, and simply being there to listen when life feels daunting, a caregiving companion brings a breath of fresh air into everyday life.

The following advice can help someone with chronic health conditions to feel hopeful and positive:

  • Find a sense of purpose. Having purpose in life is vital to our wellbeing. It’s a matter of helping a senior loved one discover what she or he is passionate about and pursuing that interest. Get creative in brainstorming ways to make life more meaningful: serving others, learning something new, creating videos to document his or her history or life lessons to pass along to the next generation.
  • Find reasons to be grateful. An easy but effective way to increase positivity is by journaling. Encourage the older adult to start off every day by listing several things she or he is grateful for: the scent of fresh blueberry muffins baking, the beauty of the sunrise, an upcoming lunch date with a friend.
  • Find activities outside the home. If possible, help the older adult enjoy life away from home: a hair or nail appointment, a shopping trip, a visit with close friends. Even a short walk or time spent on the front porch can be worthwhile.

Learn More Ways Home Care Can Help

Reach out to Live Free Home Health Care any time at 603-217-0149 for additional helpful tips for loved ones managing long-term conditions. We would also love to come and meet with you in the comfort of your home to share more ways that our caregivers can make every day the best it can be for seniors at home. To learn about all of the communities we serve, please visit our Service Area page.