Whether you have an elderly loved one or you need help for yourself, there are many benefits to home care support. These services provide seniors with the care they need to age in place while keeping families stress-free and confident about their loved one’s well-being.
Caregivers provide various services to senior clients, from companionship to medical assistance. These services can be customized to your loved one’s specific needs and are typically paid for out of pocket by the client or family.
Keeps Your Loved One Safe
The right care at home can help your loved one stay safe, active and healthy. It can even reduce the risk of falls and other health problems that impede recovery or cause hospital readmissions.
In addition to keeping your loved one’s health and wellness in mind, home care can also help prevent caregiver burnout. The most common reason family caregivers give up on caregiving is the stress it can put on their lives.
Having someone at home to help with the tasks you can’t manage is a huge relief, and it gives you the freedom to focus on your own life while your loved one continues to enjoy the company of their loved ones in a more comfortable environment.
When choosing a home care agency, look for a well-defined client service plan that can offer the highest level of flexibility in matching the right caregivers to your loved one’s needs. You should also check to see if the caregivers have received special training in dementia or Alzheimer’s care, as this can have a major impact on their care level.
Keeps Your Loved One Active
Keeping seniors active can help them maintain their mental, emotional and physical health. It can prevent or lessen conditions like depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis pain, heart trouble and diabetes. It also helps them to live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The best way to keep your loved one active is by incorporating regular exercise into their daily routine. It can be as simple as walking for a few miles, swimming, playing tennis or golf, or even learning a new skill, such as computer skills or cooking.
If you do not have the time or are unsure whether your loved one would enjoy these activities, it might be best to seek assistance with the planning and coordination from a professional care provider.
Hire a professional agency that screens and trains its staff, including caregivers. They should also provide references and background checks, so you can feel confident that the caregivers will treat your loved one with the respect and care they deserve.
Keeps Your Loved One Healthy
One of the most important things you can do for your elderly loved one is to keep them healthy and independent while in the home. You can do this by helping them stay active, taking care of their mental health and providing them with the proper nutrition they need.
A good diet can reduce their risk of several conditions and diseases, including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. A professional caregiver can help your loved one choose a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
They can also prepare meals with the right balance of nutrients to help keep their bodies in peak condition. For instance, if they have diabetes, their caregiver can prepare a meal that’s low in sugar and fibre or prepare foods that are easier to digest for them.
It’s also important to monitor their eating habits and ensure they get enough calories, which is essential for energy levels, muscle strength and brain function. If they have trouble swallowing, a professional caregiver can assist them by offering straw drinks and making their food easy to chew and swallow.
Keeps Your Loved One Happy
Keeping your loved one in the home for as long as possible means maintaining their level of care and quality of life. It may mean a lot of hands-on help with daily tasks, assistance with transportation and making appointments, or just being there to lend support and offer emotional comfort.
In most cases, home health care services are a great option for seniors with chronic conditions or disabilities that require more assistance than a typical family caregiver can provide. These services can be provided over months, years or even as part of end-of-life care.
A good home care agency will be able to recommend services that suit your needs and budget. In addition, they can provide a list of references and referrals to other companies that are qualified to handle your home care needs.
The best way to keep your loved one in the home for as long and healthy as possible is to hire a reliable home care agency that will provide the top-notch care they need to stay happy, safe and active. It can be done by requesting a free quote for the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for your situation.
