How to Help Seniors Age Safely at Home: A Family's Guide

The majority of people desire to grow old at home.

But it is not always so easy to keep a senior safe at home. Things change.

Perhaps, stairs are becoming unsafe. Maybe they're just lonely.

But here's what we've learned after helping Pittsburgh families for 15 years. With some support, most people can stay right where they want to be.

What Makes Home So Special

Ask any senior where they want to be, and nine times out of ten, they'll say home.

When someone stays in their own space, they wake up in their own bed. They sit in their favorite chair. The neighbor still waves from across the street.

These little things? They're actually everything.

That's what we help families protect at Potter's Klay Home Care.

The Stuff That Gets Hard

Let's talk about what actually becomes difficult as people age.

Getting Clean and Dressed

We help with bathing and dressing. Some people just need someone nearby in case. Others need more hands-on help.

Either way, our caregivers treat people with respect.

Nobody should feel bad about needing this kind of help and support.

Making Decent Meals

When you live alone and cooking feels like work, a lot of seniors just stop doing it. They'll have toast for dinner or skip eating altogether.

Our team shows up and actually cooks. Real food. We'll shop for groceries too, and help plan meals that make sense for their health.

If they need help eating, we're there for that as well.

Keeping Things Clean

Vacuuming. Laundry. Changing sheets. These chores pile up fast when they're hard to do.

We provide household management as well. Tidying up, running errands. A clean house is safer, too. Less clutter means fewer falls.

Moving Around Safely

One bad fall can change everything.

That's why we pay attention to how people move around. Our caregivers help with:

● Walking steadily

●  Getting in and out of chairs or bed

●  Using wheelchairs or walkers properly

We also get people moving a little each day when we can. Just light activity. It keeps them stronger.

Doctors and Medications

Getting to Appointments

Is your parent still driving when maybe they shouldn't? Or are you taking off work every time they have a doctor visit?

We drive them. We go inside with them. We take notes if needed. One less thing for you to juggle.

Remembering Pills

Miss a blood pressure pill here, a diabetes medication there, it adds up to trouble.

We give medication reminders at the right times. Simple system, but it keeps people healthy.

Just Being There

You know what gets overlooked? How lonely it is sitting home alone all day.

Our caregivers spend real time with people. They talk. They watch shows together. They'll take someone to church or out for a drive.

Sometimes the best care is just showing up and being present.

When More Help Is Needed

Some situations need someone there all the time. Someone recovering from surgery. Someone with advanced dementia. Someone who needs help through the night.

We do 24-hour care. There is a caregiver around 24/7 to manage anything that arises. It helps the families to relax knowing that their loved one is not alone.

How You Stay in the Loop

You are not there all the time. Yet you still want to know what is going on.

We have a system where you can check in anytime and see updates on care tasks. What did they eat? Did they take their medicine? How was their day? You'll know.

Where We Help Families

We work throughout the Pittsburgh area:

● Downtown Pittsburgh

●  Shadyside

●  Squirrel Hill

●  Mt. Lebanon

●  North Hills

● South Hills

● Oakland

● Fox Chapel

Basically, if you're anywhere around here, we can help.

Getting Started Is Simple

Call us. We'll come out and talk with you and your family member. Just a conversation about what would actually help.

Background checks and training are done on our caregivers. The better thing is that we employ individuals who care. You can teach skills, but you can't teach kindness.

Let's Talk About Your Situation

Every family's different. Perhaps you require someone part-time, say a couple of hours a week, or perhaps you require full-time assistance.

In any case, since 2009, The Potters Klay Home Health Care Agency has been helping families like yours for 15 years.

Give us a call at (412) 706-9196.

You can also send an email to info@pottersklayhomecare.org. Let's figure out what would work for your family.

FAQs

What exactly do you help with?Personal hygiene such as:

● Showering and dressing

● Preparing food, tidying

● Transport to appointments

●  Medication reminders

●  Companionship

●  Complete twenty four hour care

How fast can someone start?Usually within a few days after we meet with you. If it's urgent, we move faster.

What does it cost?Depends on how much care you need. We take private pay, Medicaid waivers, and long-term care insurance. We'll explain your options when we meet.

How do you pick which caregiver works with my parent?We think about personality and what they have in common. If your dad loves talking about fishing then we're not sending someone who hates the outdoors. The relationship matters.