Finding Comfort at Family Gatherings
Published on - December 10, 2015This article was originally posted Delmarva Life on December 10th, 2015 and can be found here.
We learned about different situations that can dampen an aging loved one’s spirits this time of year. Peninsula Home Care (PHC) Branch Director, Nancy Bagwell, told us how get-togethers with family and friends can really stress out someone who may be experiencing dementia, recently lost a spouse, or is ill. If your family can relate to this situation, Nancy and the folks at Peninsula Home Care have some advice, “Consider a more intimate family gathering so it is not so overwhelming; plan the timing of the gathering during hours the elderly family members is more awake and alert.” PHC also offers some safety steps families can take:
- Remove all throw rugs and loose electrical cords to prevent trips and slips
- Install a temporary raised toilet seat for the primary bathroom (can be rented from a medical home supply store)
- For someone in a wheelchair, consider renting a ramp for the day or weekend
- For overnight stays, select a room on the first floor and close to a bathroom
- Place a non-slip mat and suction grab bar in the bathtub or shower
- Use nightlights in the hallways so they can get around safely at night
About Peninsula Home Care
Providing skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy for more than 30 years, Peninsula Home Care ensures that all patients are involved in their plan of care and strives to give them every opportunity to maintain their independence in the home. The agency has served more than 50,000 patients in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties in Maryland and Sussex and Kent counties in Delaware. In 2017, PHC and PHCN were designated as Preferred Home Care Provider by Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Nanticoke Health Services.
