A Helpful Introduction To Home Care Services

There comes a time in many independent adults’ lives when they realize that it is becoming increasingly hard to do daily tasks without assistance.  Although this lifestyle change is one that few welcome, it’s a reality for many seniors.  Men and women wanting to remain in their own homes often seek the help of a home care agency to meet their needs.  Home care nurses and assistants perform a variety of tasks that aid their clients.  The level of care needed will determine whether or not a home health care worker will be in a home caring for its occupant or occupants full-time or part-time.

What Do Home Care Services Entail?

Home care can mean different things to different people.  There are a number of different areas that a home care nurse or aide can help with.  For example, some seniors may require assistance maintaining their home.  They may need to hire someone to assist with household tasks like housekeeping, laundry, and shopping.  Others may require additional assistance with gardening and handyman services.

Many seniors need help paying bills and managing their finances.  The person handling the financial aspect of an older adult’s life should be trustworthy.  There have been too many stories in the media about misappropriation of client funds.  It’s best to have a trusted family member or an attorney.

Some of the other areas that a home care aide or assistant can help with is:

• Transportation.  Once a senior has lost his or her ability to drive, it can be very difficult to leave the home to run errands.  A home health care aide or nurse may be hired to take care of those tasks for their client.  They may also accompany them on public transportation.

• Home Modifications.  When a loved one loses mobility or has their mobility restricted, certain modifications to the home must be made.  A wheelchair ramp can make entering and exiting the house easier.  Grab bars in showers can prevent slip and fall accidents from occurring.  Additional bathrooms may also need to be built on ground level floors to keep the elderly from climbing up stairs and falling. There are many senior safety tips that can help you accident proof their home.

• Personal Care.  Dressing, bathing, feeding, and meal preparation are among the tasks that some individuals find difficult doing by themselves as they ago.  A home care nurse or aide may come to the home to help with grooming and cooking or they may reside in the home as a full-time caregiver.

• Health Care.  Nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists are trained professionals that can be hired to come into the home and give personalized services.  They may not be the home care worker per se but they certainly can assist their clients by making things easier on them physically.

• Companionship.  Some older folks have difficulty socializing.  This is particularly true if they no longer drive and have family and friends that live far away.  A home care nurse or aide can be there to provide guidance and support.  They can spend time with their clients and engage in activities that the senior enjoys.  Individuals with strong relationships tend to live longer than those who don’t so this is a very important part of home care.

Most people need help in more than one area.  For example, if they have limited mobility, they may require assistance getting in and out of a wheelchair.  They also may require transportation services to go to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments.  If you find that you or a loved one need around-the-clock care, never fear.  You can remain in your home and hire a full-time caregiver to live with you or multiple part-time home care employees to provide care to you or your elderly loved one at different times of the day.  This ensures that the person being cared for is never left alone where they can be vulnerable.

Deciding Whether You or a Loved One Need Assistance

There are a number of different indicators that you need to look for when determining whether or not you or a loved one needs help at home.  Here are some things to consider when contemplating whether or not home care is for you or your elderly relative:

• Do you see a change in you or your loved one’s appearance and abilities?  Is it getting more and more difficult to keep up with housecleaning, cooking, bathing, and dressing?  Was there a sudden, unexplainable loss of weight?  Has it become increasing difficult to complete day-to-day tasks without assistance?

• Are you confused about your surroundings or absent-minded when it comes to taking pills or remembering appointments?  Are things getting increasingly confusing?  Have bills been coming in that haven’t been paid?  Are you or your elderly relative becoming reclusive?  Depressed?  Angry?  Forgetful?

• Are medical needs being neglected?  Have you or your loved one failed to see a doctor or get the therapy needed to recover from an illness or injury?  Are there eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures that have gone missing or need to be purchased?  Is walking a problem for you or your relative?

The individual in question will often be very defensive about their behavior out of fear of losing their independence.  If it’s your loved one that needs assistance, assure them that they can receive excellent care at home.  If it’s you that has experienced changes, know that home care is affordable, accessible, and reliable.  You don’t have to give up comfort to receive the help that you need.  Men and women are willing to assist you so you can continue to live and enjoy your own home.

If you have questions about what to expect when calling a home care agency nurse or aide or what they can do for you or a family member, make sure to speak to them directly.  The trained professionals will be able to provide you with the knowledge and support needed to make an informed decision about home health care.  A change in lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  There are trained professionals ready to assist you or your loved one at home at any time of day.

Photo Credits: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Elderly Woman: Craftyjoe

Plate of Food: Boykung

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