What is Home Care?
According to the National Institute on Aging, modern seniors want to stay in their own home, often referred to as aging in place. Unfortunately, as seniors age, their health often makes it difficult to be alone. That doesn’t mean an older person can’t remain in their home. It just means that the family has to be resourceful and find care that allows seniors to remain independent. In-home care is one way to get help.
Home Care Offers Seniors a Way to Age in Place
Senior home care offers many of the same programs that you might find in a nursing home. Home care, not to be confused with Home Health Care, provides non-medical paraprofessionals who provide assistance for daily activities. Some seniors in may not need daily medical care but may require someone who helps with laundry and housekeeping.
Home care can include:
- Dental hygiene assistance
- Grooming and dressing assistance
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation and assistance with feeding
- Laundry, housekeeping, light gardening and shopping
- Fall prevention and mobility assistance
- Help in the bathroom and with bathing
- Outings with family or friends
- Transportation to appointments
Give Caregivers a Break
Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that there are over 45 million caregivers in the United States who are caring for a family member. Many of these caregivers spend over 20 hours each week providing care. Although many caregivers do this out of love, it can and does take a toll on the family. Hiring professionals allows caregivers to take a needed break by providing companionship and care for a couple of hours or even specialized respite care for a weekend or longer. In-home care is more than therapeutic services. If you’re caring for seniors in their home, you know they often just need help with shopping or need someone to make sure they are eating. Home care alleviates the burden on caregivers by giving them time to care for themselves.
