5 Ways That Home Care Makes Laundry Easier For Seniors
24-hour home care can help seniors with vital support and care for daily tasks like laundry.
Most people don’t think too much about laundry. It’s just another one of the many household chores that have to get done. But what would it feel like if you couldn’t do it? Think about wearing dirty clothes. Or having night sweats or being sick at night and not being able to change your sheets right away. 24-hour home care for seniors can make a big difference in the comfort of your senior parent living at home.
For seniors living alone, doing laundry can be physically demanding. Carrying a heavy laundry basket, stripping a bed, moving heavy, wet clothes from the washer to the dryer, and other tasks can be too much for seniors struggling with poor strength, mobility, and balance.
If your mom or dad has 24-hour home care, they will always have clean clothes, towels, sheets, and blankets. Even if they get sick or if they struggle with incontinence, someone will be there to change the sheets and blankets and wash the soiled ones the right way. 24-hour home care means 24-hour comfort for your mom or dad.
Some of the ways that a 24-hour home care provider who is with your mom or dad around the clock can make laundry more manageable for them are:
1. Sorts Clothes
A caregiver can handle sorting laundry, which can be confusing or tiring for a senior, especially with dementia. They separate clothes by color, fabric, and washing instructions. This prevents color bleeding and keeps clothes in good shape. It also reduces the mental stress of remembering what needs special care.
2. Prepares the Laundry Area
Laundry rooms can be dangerous, with heavy appliances and slippery floors. A caregiver makes sure the area is tidy and safe. They clear clutter, ensure good lighting, and check for spills. By keeping the space organized, they reduce the risk of falls or tripping on loose items.
3. Manages Heavy Lifting
Lifting wet clothes or laundry baskets can be physically demanding and risky for your senior mom or dad. A 24-hour home care provider handles these heavy tasks to prevent muscle strain or injury. They carry the laundry to and from the washer and dryer, so your senior parent doesn’t have to bend, reach, or lift heavy loads. They can also bring the laundry downstairs and upstairs if necessary.
Since many older homes have laundry in the basement, sometimes heavy and bulky laundry baskets must be brought up and down three flights of stairs. That’s often impossible for seniors to do safely on their own.
4. Uses Safe Products
Some laundry products can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. Caregivers know which detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets are gentle and non-irritating. They avoid harsh chemicals and strong scents that may bother seniors. This makes laundry safer and more comfortable for your mom or dad’s aging and sensitive skin.
5. Folds and Puts Away Clothes
A caregiver finishes the laundry by folding clothes neatly and putting them away. This task can be tiring for seniors, especially those with arthritis or limited mobility. By handling these final steps, caregivers make sure clothes are stored in an organized way, where your parent can easily find what they need.
If your mom or dad likes to help fold the clothes, they can. A 24-hour home care provider will then make sure they are put away in the right drawers or hung up carefully. Many seniors with dementia enjoy the routine of folding clothes.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in Mclean, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113