More and more senior citizens are deciding to stay in their homes as they get older. Staying at home allows seniors to remain in their comfortable surroundings, rather than going to an unfamiliar assisted-living facility or nursing home. However, some require home health care services in order to be safe and healthy.
Advantages of Home Health Care for Older People
Moving to a nursing home or assisted-living home separates seniors from the familiarity and comfort of their lives. For a lot of individuals, it leads to depression and loneliness.
By employing home-care providers, many elderly people can live safely at home as they age. Additionally, being at home makes it easier for them to attend church, make a trip to the grocery store, and visit with family and neighbors.
Having the chance to see others and maintain contact with the people they know improves the quality of their lives. Some home-care attendants even play card games, read, or sit and have conversations with the senior as a part of their duties.
The Cost of Health Care at Home for Elders
Often, seniors and family members choose to stay in their home because its less expensive than a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Home care agencies provide screened, trained, bonded workers.
Many states require home care agencies to be accredited. But such accreditation is not mandatory for independent home-health-care workers.
Hiring In-Home Assistants for the Elderly
There are many options for finding in-home health care workers for the elderly. The specific needs of the client are the starting place for deciding what kind of care is required.
There are online checklists you can use for determining the necessary degree of care required. These are the most important points to consider when seeking an in-home worker for a senior.
Personal Issues
Does the senior require help with daily tasks such as bathing, eating, and dressing?
Health Issues
Does the senior have medications they need help managing? Do they require physical therapy? Assistance in getting to appointments?
Emotional Issues
Does the individual need companionship or assistance in participating in social events, like going to church or visiting with family or friends?
After conducting an evaluation of this kind, youll have a better idea of what level of help the senior needs to remain safe and healthy at home. Ask the senior how they feel about the person who will help them. Does it matter that they share certain beliefs or experiences?
Many manufacturers are developing and marketing home-care products to make life at home more comfortable for seniors, such as easy to use commodes and wheelchair products.
