If you ask any elderly adult where they want to spend their golden years, most will say that they prefer to age in their own home. Instead of moving somewhere else, such as with a relative or to a care center, seniors overwhelmingly want to stay at home and live independently. However, when health issues arise that prevent aging adults from being able to take care of themselves, many family caregivers are unsure of what to do.
Fortunately, there are in-home care companies that can assist seniors with tasks they may struggle with. Family caregivers should learn a little about what home care providers can do for their aging loved ones, so they can help the senior live out their dream of aging in place.
Why Seniors Need Home Care
Aging adults may need home care for a number of reasons the most common is that they have developed some kind of health issue that prevents them from doing much for themselves. For example, if they have dementia or are confined to a wheelchair, the aging adults won’t have a way to do tasks around the house or keep themselves clean. Home care providers can be at the home and assist with tasks that the elderly adult cannot do safety or well.
Physical and mental health issues that can prevent seniors from independent living include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Lung disease
- Depression
- Cardiovascular disease
- After-effects of a stroke or heart attack
- Broken bones
- Post-surgery recovery
Not only will any of these conditions prevent seniors from living independently, but most aging adults struggle with more than one chronic condition. Home care providers are the companions and helpers that aging adults need to give them a hand as they try to extend their time living at home.
How Home Care Providers Help the Elderly Live at Home
When it come to helping out, home care providers are the best of the best. Not only are they dedicated and compassionate individuals, they have experience in helping aging adults with all kinds of responsibilities.
Aging adults can rely on the home care provider for assistance in a range of tasks, including:
- Bathing or showering
- Dressing and grooming
- Light housekeeping
- Light laundry
- Meal planning and preparation
- Diet monitoring
- Medication reminders
- Symptom tracking
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Errands and shopping
- Companionship and supervision
Family caregivers can work with the home care providers to work out a schedule that compliments any other type of care that family members or friends can provide. Most home care providers can do mornings, afternoons and evenings, with some companies even providing overnight care. No matter what their disability, aging adults will always choose to live at home if possible. With in-home care from qualified home care providers, aging adults can achieve that dream.