The ability to receive in-home care services is more important than people think. It can be hard to ask for help, especially after reaching a point in life where caring for yourself isn’t providing the best care.
Often, mostly self-sufficient elderly adults don’t tell family members about the true level of their needs, and when they are included, family caregivers often can’t provide the care services needed. Whether due to frequency of needs, type of care, or relationship complications, relying on family caregivers alone miss several health care services needed.
Types of Services
Many individuals think that living assistance services only involve personal care in a group home, but nothing could be further from the truth. There are a large number of personalized caregiving services that elderly adults can receive in their own homes.
Transportation
One of the biggest issues for older adults is their inability to utilize transportation. It can be difficult to get in and out of vehicles alone, and when sight or hearing is becoming difficult, driving can be dangerous.
While some areas have public transportation options and some have individual ride options, using these can become costly both in time and money. For many older individuals, getting out to a transportation system without assistance is not an option.
For individuals with mobility issues, personal care services can be the way that they attend appointments, visit the bank, or see friends and family members. Having this option is a huge benefit to allow them to live a normal life.
Companion Care
Many individuals aren’t able to have the socialization they would normally have. Social groups often deteriorate as workplace friendships, school relationships, and in-person visits stop. As most individuals need to leave their homes to have activities with others, finding companions is very difficult.
Sometimes these individuals just need someone who will show up and spend time with them. This can appear in a variety of ways, from having a case manager who helps set goals and check up on services to a representative focusing on enrichment activities to provide companionship.
Having this type of companionship can be instrumental in other care needs. Medical care can be easier and more effective when companion care is also utilized. Mental problems can be prevented or slowed with these services provided. Even if individuals utilize pet companionship, they can see these benefits.
Daily Living
In home care services are most often used for aspects of daily living. Individuals no longer have the physical capacity to do the little things that need to be done around the house in their own homes. Often this involves light housekeeping, such as sweeping and doing dishes, but can be more involved.
Home maintenance is also a huge factor in for in home care services. A lot of the know-how for new appliances, as well as the physical exertion needed, can be too much for seniors. This can involve working with the thermostat, rearranging furniture, installing handrails, and completing outdoor house and yard work.
Meals
Seniors who have difficulty carrying and lifting items often use the service to help with grocery shopping and even meal preparation. Home care aides can accompany their clients even as part of companion care services to walk them through stores to make necessary purchases.
Some services also exist where prepared meals and groceries can be delivered to seniors without the added action as a companionship specialist. These are made to keep the client in mind, with meals made specifically for them and with all that they ask for included where possible.
Treatment
Some medical appointments can also be done in-home. Wound care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions, can be a daily need. Trained nurses can help with both personal injury care and disability care. Nursing care, for basic first-aid and other home health care, is the most important to many families.
Individuals can also need assistance with the self-care they can no longer provide on their own. Whether this includes help getting to, or going to, the bathroom, help taking showers, or help remembering prescriptions, this kind of home care is some of the most necessary and the most difficult to ask for. Home care providers have a lot to offer in this regard and are always able to help develop a plan for attendant or disability care.
Location Transitioning Services
Many individuals need long-term care services as things become more difficult during their golden years. These individuals can utilize a home care service even as they transition into more round-the-clock care. Most seniors who experience memory loss can receive transport or at home specialized professional care services. Other seniors who are leaving the hospital and returning home can have the assistance they need during the change.
Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out
Caregivers are important to families for many reasons, but more than the peace of mind they give to seniors’ adult children, they give resources and provide much needed care services to the adults themselves. Having a reduced ability to provide for yourself can be scary and frustrating, and having home health services can reduce these concerns and difficulties.
If you or a loved one are looking for just what home health services can provide, you can contact AgePro representatives easily online or in person. Our mission is to give the care that you have been looking for.
