As the holidays arrive, your dad picked up the flu. He’d only just gotten his yearly flu shot, and his antibodies didn’t have time to build up. He’s pretty sick. Have you ever considered the benefits of 24-hour home care while your dad battles the flu?

Meals and Beverages

Your dad’s energy is low. He’s not going to be able to cook a meal or even want to get up to get another drink. You don’t want him to become dehydrated. A caregiver can warm some bone broth, tea, or lemon water for your dad to ensure he stays hydrated.

His caregiver can make pots of soup to ensure he’s eating what his body needs while he recovers. Your dad also has an aide available to refill his water glass, get fresh ice in his cup, or refill his water pitcher.

Medication Reminders

Most flu medications and chest decongestants require doses every four to six hours. Some allow for additional doses every 12 hours. When your dad’s sick, remembering when he last took his flu medications will be challenging.

If he’s taking over-the-counter pain medications for his headache, remembering to take one every four hours is hard. He needs someone to track the timing and tell him when he can take more. 24-hour home care can do that for him.

Housekeeping

Your dad’s house needs to be kept clean. An air purifier can help filter some of the germs from the air, but your dad’s counters, doorknobs, stair rails, remotes, and phones need to be sanitized throughout the day.

He needs his sheets and towels changed. Laundry needs to be completed, and items need to be put away when they’re clean and dry. With his caregivers working in shifts, he can rest well knowing everything that needs cleaning or tidying is taken care of.

Errands

While your dad rests, he has a team of caregivers working in shifts. If he runs out of anything, the next caregiver can pick it up on the way. He doesn’t have to worry about running out of facial tissues, cough and flu medications, groceries, and prescriptions. His caregivers have everything covered.

Constant Supervision

While your dad rests, he has a caregiver in the home to check on him periodically and make sure his breathing sounds okay. If he’s having a harder time breathing, his caregiver can alert you or his doctor to see if he should go to urgent care or the hospital.

Pets

Some caregivers are able to take care of the things your dad’s pets need until he’s well enough to do it himself. His caregivers can let his dog out for necessary breaks. His pets get fed at the right times and water dishes get washed and refilled.

Your dad will likely get through the flu without issue, but it’s reassuring to know he’s not alone at any time. Call a 24-hour home care specialist to learn more about the many services caregivers can provide day and night while your dad recovers.

Home Care Matters Provides Award-Winning, Trusted Home Care in Bibb, Butts, Crawford, Henry, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Spalding, and Upson Counties. Call today: (478)-994-9535.

We serve the towns of Forsyth, Macon, McDonough, Griffin, Jonesboro, Roberta, Barnesville, Gray, Thomaston, and Jackson.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

Latest posts by Valerie Darling (see all)

• The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers Should Know - September 7, 2023
• Help For Seniors Who Have Anxiety At Night - August 25, 2023
• Going Green: Helping Seniors Reap the Benefits - August 9, 2023