Caregiver Tips: Creating a Safe Home for a Parent With ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
It’s usually diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70, but it’s most commonly diagnosed after the age of 60. Around 5,000 cases of ALS are diagnosed each year.
Your dad’s been told he has ALS. Attend as many of his appointments as you can and take notes. He may be in shock and not keeping track of everything his doctor says. That’s one thing to do, but what about his living environment.
Symptoms of ALS will impact mobility, including muscle cramps, declining use of the arms and legs, fatigue, and instability. What should you do to help him get his home safe? Use the following caregiver tips for help.
Caregiver Tips: ALS Safety
Install Grab Bars
Install grab bars in the shower and add a shower seat for him to use if he’s tired and needs to sit down. You should also add grab bars to the sides and back of the toilet to help him safely use the toilet. He may also benefit from grab bars in a hallway.
Purchase a Reach Extender/Grabber
A grabber tool is helpful when it comes to reaching items that are on a higher shelf. Your dad won’t have to climb onto a step stool or chair to reach things.
At the same time, you should look at moving and arranging items so that they’re in locations that are more accessible. If your dad uses his toaster each morning, it’s important to leave that out for him. Put away things he never uses. Do the same in his bedroom, bathroom, and living room.
Make Room for Mobility Devices
If your dad needs a walker or wheelchair, make sure there is room for him to move around. You might like having the chair arranged so that it’s centered with the sofa, but it’s blocking the path to the kitchen. Move it out of the way so that your dad does not have to go around things.
Arrange Home Care Services With Caregivers
Companion care at home will be incredibly helpful to him as his abilities change. He may need someone else to do his laundry, clean his house, and cook his meals. He might need someone to take him shopping or accompany him to appointments.
Make sure your dad is involved in the decisions. Ask him about the things he’s having a more challenging time completing independently. Once you know, talk to a specialist for caregiver tips in companion care at home with your dad and schedule the services he wants.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Glenolden, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Sources:
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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