About who needs care: My dad lives in an ADU in our backyard (it is an apartment attached to our house). He lives independently and we arehis primary caregivers. We cook for him, clean, do his laundry and manage his medication (just put it out daily, he is able to take it on his own). We take him on errands (post office, HEB, Walgreens), take him to church, and take him out to eat.
I am currently looking into places he can go (but would need transportation to and from) on outings at senior centers (would need to and from transportation).
He is able to transfer himself from his wheelchair to the car, to tables, around in his house, etc, but does requires some mobility help.
His hobbies include rocks and minerals, he was a mechanical engineer that worked on the safety and design of semi-truck and school buses dring his career. He read a lot of magazines, and listens to music for entertainment. he likes to visit historical sites and enjoys museums. He likes to tell stories and will often tell the stories over and over as he losses track of which story he has told to whom. He loves to sit outside on his porch and chat.
A look at his desired daily schedule;
Wake-Up: 9:00am
Breakfast (he does this on his own): 9:30
Get Showered and Ready: 9:30-10:30
(he can dress and get himself ready)
Reading or Cleaning Leaves off his porch
while letting the dogs out: 10:30-11:00
Daily Mass:12:00-1:00 (one or two times per week)
There is a little coffee/muffin gathering
daily after mass that some of the other
retired members go to chat (he love this)
1:00-2:00: Errands is needed
2:00-Dinner: Listens to music, reads magazines,
enjoys talking with others and drinking
iced tea on the porch
5:00: Dinner, we take him out to eat for an
outing once per week, the rest of the week
we cook homemade, nutritious meals and
eat at the kitchen table in the main house.
Evening: Varies....bedtime around 9:00. Needs assistance with a CPAP mask when he gets into bed. He is unable to put it on on his own.
About the care needs: Patient and calm, even when conversations repeat
A good listener who genuinely enjoys hearing stories
Warm, friendly, and easy to talk to
Compassionate and respectful toward seniors
Positive attitude and good sense of humor
Emotionally steady and reassuring
Stays present and off their phone while working
Reliable, punctual, and responsible
Maintains privacy and dignity
Observant of changes in mood, health, or behavior
Services needed include: transportation, meal preparation, errands / shopping, light housekeeping, companionship, and mobility assistance. ... read more