Most older adults want to remain living independently for as long as possible, and senior home care services can assist them in doing just that.
There are numerous different forms of homecare for elderly individuals, though most fall into two main categories. Companion care falls into this first category.
Supporting Independence
One of the primary objectives of senior home care is creating an atmosphere that supports independence for seniors living alone. To do this, open conversations must take place about any needed support, expectations should be set about how things will be accomplished, and both parties are on board with what needs to happen next.
Promoting household equipment such as grab bars in bathrooms and stairlifts, providing reliable transportation through trains, buses, rideshare apps or reduced fare taxi services and helping find physical activities to boost strength, balance and flexibility is also essential to providing care for older adults.
Maintaining independence allows seniors to shape their lives around their preferences, routines and values – improving emotional well-being while creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Furthermore, maintaining independence helps senior feel less helpless or resentful towards changes to lifestyle that occur as time goes on, potentially delaying a move to assisted living or skilled nursing residence.
Keeping the Same Social Network
Utilizing different home care options can enable seniors to maintain their social networks as they age. It’s essential to assess each home care option’s services and their costs to determine the most effective choices.
Start by asking friends and family members for referrals, your doctor, local senior center and church may all have information available as resources for meals or social activities in your area.
When hiring a caregiver, make sure to inquire about background checks. Most agencies conduct these, but you may opt to pay for one yourself just to be safe. Furthermore, inquire as to the way an agency manages its workers and interacts with them – many reputable agencies assign multiple caregivers per client in case of emergencies or absence, which can reduce stress significantly.
Providing Health Care
Some seniors require short-term home care assistance after hospital stays or injuries, such as rehabilitation following hospital stays or injuries. This form of assistance follows a doctor’s home health plan and addresses treating their specific medical needs.
Home care aides typically hold Medicare certification, while Medigap policies can cover home health services under Medicare’s original benefits and mitigate out-of-pocket expenses.
If you need help finding a home care provider, family can be an invaluable source. They’ll have an idea of the care your loved one requires and be able to share first-hand information about each agency they have worked with in the past. Home care registries and agency directories provide more than just names; they give insight into each aide’s qualifications, areas of expertise and past experiences to ensure you make an informed choice when searching for care services.
Maintaining the Comfort of Home
Home care services provide seniors with care they are comfortable in their own environment, especially those suffering from progressive conditions like dementia who find it easier to maintain their independence and autonomy within an environment they know well. This makes home care especially ideal for the needs of seniors who wish to remain independent for as long as possible.
When selecting home care for an older loved one, be sure to consider their individual needs and expenses. Be mindful of when they require assistance as well as the scope of it; someone needing short-term help after surgery or illness will incur different expenses than someone requiring ongoing help with personal hygiene, meal preparation or daily tasks.
Make sure to conduct a criminal background check on any home care worker and arrange to visit them during their shifts unannounced to monitor their quality of work. Furthermore, inquire about finding someone as backup should any emergency arise or illness arise during this timeframe.