If your senior parent loves living independently, but they are trying to manage chronic pain, they may need extra support to help them be safe and comfortable. Chronic pain can make it difficult for seniors to do everyday tasks like fill a kettle, lift up a jug of water, or pick up an item on the floor. 

Chronic pain can also make it difficult for your parent to leave the house, which increases their risk of becoming lonely and isolated. Home care is a great way to make sure that your senior parent can keep their independence and get the extra support and socialization they need.

With home care, your senior parent will get regular visits at set times of the day. A home care provider can help your parent with chores, make sure they have healthy meals to eat, and provide company throughout the day.

How Home Care Can Help Your Senior Parent

Home care providers can help your parent with a wide range of household chores ranging from light housekeeping to running errands. A care provider encourages seniors to do as much as they can, but is there to help out with tasks that are too difficult. 

And they also provide the comfort and care that will make your parent feel better when their chronic pain is flaring up. Home care providers can help your parent with tasks like:

  • Light housekeeping chores
  • Basic cleaning tasks can cause a lot of pain for seniors with joint, back, or nerve problems. Sweeping, wiping counters, changing bed sheets, or cleaning the bathroom may require bending, lifting, or standing for long periods. 

A home care provider can handle light housekeeping so your parent does not have to push through pain. A clean home also lowers stress and reduces fall risks, which can make chronic pain worse.

Taking out the trash and managing clutter

Taking out trash may seem small, but it can be painful and unsafe for a senior. Carrying heavy bags, reaching into bins, or walking outside can strain muscles and joints. Trash that piles up can also cause odors and make the home uncomfortable. 

A care provider can regularly remove trash and help keep walkways clear. This prevents accidents and helps your parent move around their home with less discomfort.

Running errands

Errands often require walking, standing in lines, lifting items, and getting in and out of a car. For someone with chronic pain, this can be exhausting or even impossible. 

A home care provider can run errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or dropping off mail. This allows your parent to conserve energy and avoid pain flare-ups while still having what they need.

Medication reminders

Chronic pain often comes with complex medication schedules. Missing doses or taking medicine at the wrong time can increase pain levels or cause side effects.

A home care provider can give gentle medication reminders so your parent stays on schedule. This helps keep pain better controlled and reduces stress about forgetting doses. While providers do not usually give medical advice, reminders alone can make pain easier to manage.

Making meals

Cooking can be very painful for seniors with arthritis, back pain, or balance problems. Standing at the stove, chopping ingredients, or lifting pots can cause flare-ups. And your parent may even find it difficult to open cans or lift containers from the fridge if they have chronic pain or swelling in their hands or fingers.  

A home care provider can prepare simple, nutritious meals that support overall health. Regular meals help prevent weakness and fatigue, which can make pain feel worse. Providers can also help with cleanup so your parent does not feel sore afterward.

If you or an aging loved one dealing with chronic pain are considering hiring Home Care in Marina Del Ray, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. 

Our number is 323-244-4789.