Care providers working in a client’s home can help avoid costly repairs by being aware of and reporting something they notice that may be a problem. When cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, and generally working around the home, care providers may notice that the washing machine is leaking or there is standing water under a sink. Perhaps they see a crack in the drywall they didn’t notice before or the stove or oven isn’t working properly. All these potential issues can lead to costly repairs or even safety concerns.

Document and Report Concerns

Care providers should document and report their concerns making sure someone is aware of the issue. A home is a big investment, and for seniors aging at home, helping to monitor their home is important and could help them remain in their home for as long as possible safely.

We Care Like Family

Often our senior clients live alone. Even though they may have lived in their home for many years, at this stage in life, they don’t always have the mobility or even vision to detect or see things that our caregivers may notice. They may avoid going downstairs, they may not be bending down to check under sinks, and they may not hear a subtle quiet sound of water dripping. If they don’t have someone checking in on them and doing a home scan on a visit, some of these concerns may go unnoticed causing even greater problems and safety concerns if unattended to. 

Lauren McDonald, Occupational Therapist and owner of OT2U who partners with Just Like Family Home Care in Calgary advises “For older adults, there can often be quite a bit of shame involved in no longer being able to perform these activities independently or needing assistance with these tasks.” Having caregivers observe and note challenges a client is having also provides a more accurate picture of whether or not they would benefit from other supports. 

Lauren continues that In addition to in-home maintenance, “notice if sidewalks are uncleared and if there is a build-up of ice and snow. This may indicate that a client no longer has the physical strength to clear snow or mow the lawn.” If walking on uneven surfaces is difficult there may be mobility issues or the client may have lost cognitive ability and may not remember how to connect with maintenance providers such as plumbers, electricians, or general contractors to assist with needs around the home.”

Care Providers are invaluable in helping clients be where they want to be—at home, safe and sound.