Providing Home Care for a Loved One

Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctors say he has six months left to live. Dad has decided that he wants to remain at home. Now what do we do? Who will take care of him? How do we care for him? 

It is very difficult to watch as a family member's health starts to deteriorate at an alarming rate. While caring for a loved one can be stressful and emotional draining, decisions need to be made about who will care for your loved one as their health fades.

Many elderly and sick patients want to remain in the comfort of their own home during their final days rather than living in a nursing home, hospital or hospice care facility. And they turn to you for help. How do you go about providing home care for a loved one as their health declines? Here are some tips for becoming a good caregiver in your loved one's final days.

1. Organize. Take time to organize your loved one's house and important papers. Know where their prescriptions are. Make sure you have their insurance and medical information available. Determine which hospital will care for your loved one in a medical emergency. And remember to figure out financial matters, too!

2. Simply your Daily Routine. Cut out any unnecessary tasks. Or ask someone else to help you out like taking your daughter to soccer practice.

3. Take Time for Yourself. When you have a few minutes, remember to take care of yourself too. Read a book, take a hot bath or go for a short walk.

4. Be There for the Person. Help them with day to day tasks such as bathing, eating, taking them to doctor appointments, etc. But also be there for the person emotionally. Don't be afraid to communicate your feelings and talk about daily events. Remember to laugh, cry and enjoy your time with your loved one.

While providing home care can be an emotionally draining task, it is also a rewarding one. Your loved one will be happy that you are by their side. 

Which Wheelchair is Right for me?

Wheelchairs come in a variety of colors, sizes and movement options. While determining the size (child or adult) and color of your wheelchair might be easy choices, you need to ask yourself what is the best movement option? Do you want to be able to move the wheelchair manually? Or would you prefer to travel long distances in your wheelchair?

 Here we will discuss the difference between electric, manual and power wheelchairs.

Power Chairs: A power chair, similar to a scooter in design, is a wheelchair propelled by an electric motor. Power chairs, also known as motorized wheelchairs, are ideal for traveling long distances and over rough terrain.

Manual Wheelchairs: A manually powered wheelchair requires you to move them. By turning the wheels, you will be able to move from place to place. Some manual wheelchairs are foldable and can be stored in a closet.

Electric Wheelchairs: Electric wheelchairs are similar to power chairs in which they are propelled by an electric motor. However, they still have the same appearance as a manual wheelchair. Some electric wheelchairs are foldable and can be stored just like the manual wheelchairs.

If you are looking for a wheelchair, contact the knowledgeable staff at Miller MobilityProducts. We have many different wheelchair models available. Visit one of our showrooms today and find the wheelchair or power chair right for you. 

Waukesha 262-549-4900
Mequon 262-240-9811
Madison 608-340-1092