Old age poses a challenge not only for the individual, but also their family. One good example is transportation. It can be fairly frustrating for an adult to be unable to drive a car. They would have to rely on other family members or public transport.
The problem is that very few people have enough time these days to cater to the needs of their aging loved ones. For this reason, many families look for reliable homecare, whether they live in Studio City or elsewhere in Los Angeles.
There are some ways that you can make their life easier. For example, you should learn the right technique on how to transfer them to the backseat of your car, or how to make their ride more enjoyable. Keep on reading to learn how.
How can I help the elderly get in the car?
Many seniors have a problem with mobility or coordination, which takes away a significant part of their independence. This is the primary reason why they’ll need support when entering a vehicle. Luckily, there’s a way in which you can safely transfer them from a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid to the car seat.
Follow these steps to make this transition as painless as possible:
- Check around the car. Make sure that the surrounding area is safe.
- Wear proper footwear. Your shoes should have a firm grip to the ground.
- Position your body correctly. Keep your feet separated at shoulder width.
- Be careful with the upper half of your body. Stand upright, holding the torso straight.
- Move at your hips and knees. Lean toward your client, using your knees and hips to lift them
- Don’t hurt your hands or your back. During the transfer, carry the better part of the weight with your forearms
- For additional safety, use various car aids, for example: car cane standing accessories, step stools, transfer boards, seat belt reacher handles, holders and extenders, etc.
When exiting the car, use the same body position. Make sure to gently lean their head forward, to prevent them from hitting the door frame. Make a short standing pause, just to check that you’re both balanced and then continue lifting them.
How do you make a long car ride comfortable for seniors?
Taking a ride to another city or to a nearby resort can be quite beneficial for your elderly relative. However, getting there can be tedious and stressful. So you should try to make it pleasurable, and minimize potential inconveniences.
- First things first, check the health status of your senior passenger before taking a longer ride. You should take all precaution measures and make sure that you bring all the necessary medication.
- Make sure that you bring enough food and water, plan breaks to have a meal and take medication. Have a supply of healthy snacks, just in case that you get stuck in traffic.
- Take care about all safety precaution measures. Always check and adjust the seat belt. Avoid sitting them next to you, as air-bags can pose a hazard, so it’s better to place them on the back seat.
- Obtain a handicapped permit for the car if your elderly passenger has limited mobility. This will save you a lot of time and stress, while you look for a designated parking space.
- Consider the comfort itself. Many seniors need some additional back support, so you should adjust the car seat and provide additional cushions if necessary. In addition, bring a blanket, in case that your senior will need some rest.
- Don’t forget to consider entertainment. People of all ages deserve to have some fun and relax while they travel. Play a list of their favorite music, or their preferred radio station, or an interesting podcast.
Where can I find dependable homecare in Studio City and surrounding communities?
Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we have a team of skilled and trustworthy caregivers with the necessary expertise and experience to help out your elderly relatives in Studio City and beyond. They will act in the best interest of your loved ones by helping them run everyday errands, prepare their meals, drive them to doctor’s, tend to their emotional and social needs, and many more. Our goal is to make your senior relatives feel respected and empowered.
With more time at your hands, seize the opportunity to have a family get-together in the lovely nature of Santa Monica Mountains or elsewhere in California. With the right assistance, your elderly ones will enjoy your family excursion as well.
To check all the advantages we can bring to your household, reach out to us today!
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Over the last decades, life expectancy in the US, as well as in other parts of the world, has gone up significantly. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for professionals in senior care. This presents an excellent career opportunity for many, as well as a means to assist families and improve the quality of life of their senior relatives.
However, to become an in-house caregiver you need to fulfill certain standards. This career path isn’t for everyone, so you should tread lightly. Additionally, if you are looking for professional home care for your loved one around Studio City, read on to learn how to recognize the best.
What makes a good caregiver for the elderly?
Licenses or certificates proving you have attended and passed relevant courses are great, but they’re not necessarily sufficient. Anyone who intends to become a successful in-home caregiver for seniors, should exhibit the following qualities:
- Positive demeanor
- Empathy
- Patience
- Reliability
A caregiver needs to act positively, interact with clients sincerely, clearly, and with a genuine intention to alleviate their stress. Also, you should consider their perspective, tune in and provide necessary emotional support. Make sure you respect their time and pick the right pace.
Most importantly, you should be someone they can count on. Be punctual with your appointments from the very beginning, remain consistent in your assistance, and you’ll create an atmosphere of trust.
What are the skills needed to be a senior living caregiver?
Apart from favorable personal qualities, competent caregivers need a set of skills to assist their clients appropriately. Some of these skills can be polished in practice, while others require first-hand experience. Let’s consider the most important ones.
- Interpersonal skills
First of all, you need to be an attentive communicator: this involves tact, active listening, and asking the right questions, when necessary. In addition, make sure you follow this advice:
- Speak clearly and loud enough
- Sit face to face and maintain eye contact
- Focus on one topic at a time
- Allow your client enough time, don’t rush them
- Give them the opportunity to ask questions
- Try to summarize what you have talked about
- Physical strength & fitness
You would need to be strong enough to assist the elderly and accomplish a number of chores. For example, you’ll need to help them out of bed, go to the bathroom, help them get into the car from the wheelchair etc. This requires that you are in good physical health as well, and that you can do all of this without hurting yourself.
- Problem-solving skills
Sometimes, you need to approach issues creatively and with some out-of-the-box thinking. While you might take some things for granted, your elderly client could have difficulties with even the basic needs you wouldn’t otherwise anticipate.
Also, you need a keen eye for detail in order to identify issues on time. See these problems not as obstacles, but opportunities to improve the well-being of your clients.
- Flexibility
Having a flexible mindset is vital to catering to the unique needs of any elderly patient. While there are some universal basic needs, remember that each individual is different, so combine patience with flexibility. By adjusting to the specific requirements, you’ll provide a sense of companionship and make this experience worthwhile.
- Organization
Caregivers should be skilled in organizing the space in such a way that allows them to quickly prepare meals for their clients, find their medication, help them get dressed, etc. Also, a well-organized professional will have a list of contacts, and will be able to react readily in case of emergency.
- Time management
Good time management includes efficient multitasking, setting priorities, and handling a varying schedule. This skill allows you to maintain a healthy daily routine for your client, run their day-to-day errands, avoid missing doctor’s appointments, and reduce stress that comes with it.
- Initiative
If problems occur, you’ll not wait for instructions, but you’ll proactively take action. For example check if there are some parts of the house that need repairs, or if there are some light gardening tasks you can help with, water the plants etc. Avoid being too confrontational, as you still want to keep your elderly clients feeling independent.
Who offers reliable home care across Studio City and neighboring communities?
A Better Way in Home Care is the leader among non-medical assistance providers in Studio City. Our goal is to make a perfect match between a caregiver and your elderly relative. Whether you’re located near the CBS Studio Center or anywhere else in the vicinity, you can count on us.
Our professionals can assist your elderly with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing, grooming, grocery shopping, etc. What’s more, if you’re seeking a career in the field and you have relevant experience, you can apply online and we’ll gladly provide necessary guidance.
To check all the benefits and improve the quality of life of your loved ones, call us today!
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