Difficulties of daily living

Daily living can become difficult for older people due to chronic illnesses, diseases or disabilities, and this restricts their ability to care for themselves and perform everyday tasks. 

Daily living can become difficult for older people due to chronic illnesses, diseases or disabilities, and this restricts their ability to care for themselves and perform everyday tasks. This inability is a common reason why older people seek help from relatives, nursing homes or home care services.

Basic tasks that we take for granted, such as brushing our teeth, getting dressed, bathing, using the toilet and eating become challenging for older people due to mobility issues, failing eyesight/hearing or other health issues that affect physical performance. Meaning that activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and driving become a long-lost luxury of independent living that can no longer be achieved alone.

In some cases, self-care abilities can be improved by changing certain difficulties, for instance: easier clothes fasteners, meals on wheels, a shower seat or a stair lift may be able to aid with completing daily activities. But the known truth is that it doesn’t get any easier, and in most cases older people will soon decide that it is time that they need help with their daily living – even if it’s help that involves reminders, coaching and assistance to help the completion of daily tasks.

If it is someone close to you that needs assistance with daily care and is willing to seek it, approach the issue openly with sensitivity, and discuss what preferences they would have and how often they would like care services. It’s normal for older people to feel intimidated or that they have lost control for their own self-care, but the best way to avoid any negative feelings or helplessness is for the older person to retain as much control over their care as possible – rather than planning home care for them, without them being involved in the planning of it.

Here at Bluebird care we understand that the transition to home care can be a sensitive and difficult time for both the older person and their family, but we offer a unique, high-quality tailored care and support service that can range from 30 minute visits, to 24 hour live-in care. Whatever your needs may be, our dedicated team of home care works are happy to talk with you about your requirements, so call us today on 01525 713389.