Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Home Management Summary This is different from a caregiver because we are not managing the home, we are providing care within the home Services are designed to help individual complete tasks of daily living that could be performed independently if individual had no disability Services include: non-medical personal care, general household activities/chores, health maintenance activities, routine wellness services, chore services, overnight assistance Essentially household management…overseeing organizational, financial, day- to-day operations of a house or estate

Home Care Companion Provide services to individuals in their own homes and communities who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability, and/or other inflictions May include light housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, respite and advice on such things as nutrition, cleanliness and household activities Home care companions are responsible for ensuring that service is delivered in a caring and respectful manner, in accordance with relevant agency policies and industry standards

Home Care Companion Responsibilities Provide companionship (friendship, conversation, emotional support) Talk, listen, share experiences Help keep clients in contact with family, friends, and outside world Provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery store and errands Accompany clients to recreational and/or social events Teach/perform meal planning and preparation Perform light housekeeping Participate on the Care Team by providing input and making suggestions Observe client’s functioning and report to Supervisor Complete and maintain records of daily activities, observations, and direct hours of service Make decisions and solve problems

Care with Medication Sunny Days In-Home Care is a non-medical agency and CAN NOT give medications Assistance is limited to: Reminding consumer to take medication Placing medication within reach Obtaining the necessary equipment Pouring water for oral medication Opening bottle caps Checking dosage Storing medication and reassuring consumer correct dosage was taken

Tips for Self-Care Allow the care-receiver to do as much as possible, provide only as much help as needed When older people do all (or part) of their own care, it is a form of exercise to maintain strength and promote independence Adapt the home Install equipment such as grab rails in the bathroom, wheelchair-accessible sinks and mirrors, bath bench for shower or tub, and lights with switches that are easily reached Seek the aid of therapists or nurses to teach you how to perform personal care tasks safely and effectively Learn about client’s disability and what you can do to help them function as independently as possible Include client in making plans for their care Take suggestions and feelings into consideration and encourage involvement in his/her own care. Sometimes slowing the pace of the activity down will help Be aware of changes in client’s health and abilities

Providing Comfort Care Physical Comfort  ask the client regularly if they are comfortable, their health care providers must be aware if they are in physical pain. Ask clients to rate pain on scale of 0-10, and record responses Emotional and Spiritual Comfort  take some time each day to talk to your client about their feelings and to share your feelings with them. Encourage clients to share their feelings, and be open to share what is happening with their care or condition Mealtimes  make meal times a pleasant, social event. Sit and talk with client while they eat, and utilize special utensils that make eating easier if necessary. Use an attractive plastic tablecloth or place mats that are easy to clean and a towel to cover client clothes