Global Courant
Seniors who are strong enough to live on their own, but not enough to handle certain household chores, may need home care. Most older people prefer to stay in familiar surroundings as long as possible because, like most of us, they cherish their independence. Therefore, they accept the idea of elderly care much more readily than nursing homes. With a little help from a home care provider, seniors can easily be kept in good shape, helping them maintain their dignity and independence.
The cost of home care is also often lower than that of full-time nursing homes. Therefore, it may not be necessary to move your elderly parents to a nursing home, especially if their condition is not serious enough.
There are at least two main types of home care for the elderly, namely skilled or custodial care and supportive or unskilled care.
Skilled services are services provided by medical professionals, and they include nursing care, occupational, physical, speech and respiratory therapy, hospice care, social services. A licensed home care assistant may also provide personal care to seniors for a limited period of time, provided they follow a specific care plan and work under the direct supervision of a skilled professional such as a nurse or therapist. Expert services are often not provided on a regular basis. The skilled caregivers have a programmed home visit to their clients based on a treatment plan prescribed by a physician. Some of the reasons for hiring skilled services are to expedite hospital discharge, prevent unwanted hospitalizations, and allow an elder to stay in his home while recovering from an illness or during an acute illness.
Meanwhile, support services are those provided by non-medical home caregivers. These home care providers provide assistance to seniors through personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, housekeeping, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Depending on the request of the client or their family, a home care provider may also provide assistance with walking and exercise, self-administration of medications, and transportation to medical appointments. Custody or support services can be scheduled depending on client needs. The services provided often vary in quantity and frequency, ranging from a few hours a week to twenty-four hours, seven days a week. Support services are designed to help an aging person cope with their declining abilities, maintain their independence and avoid relocation.
Aside from making sure your elderly loved one is well cared for, home care services ensure that he maintains adequate interaction with the outside world as he grows old. This is important because many seniors who live far from their family and friends and are unable to interact with other people on a regular basis often find themselves isolated and lonely, which can sometimes lead to depression.
Both skilled and unskilled services are designed to provide care assistance to an elderly person in their own home and often this is a better option than institutional care. You can get home care from a home care agency or hire a private carer directly, which is often the cheaper option and offers more options for your participation in the decision-making process. This can be the best choice provided you show a lot of perseverance and put more effort into the recruitment process.
While you have to pay for most senior care services, there are some types of senior care and community services that are given or donated for free. For example, if you belong to a particular church, some of your members may volunteer their time to provide some care for your elderly parents. There are also government programs or health insurance plans that can help pay for certain home care services.
Home care can be the best choice not only for the elderly, but also for their loved ones. Senior home care is the cheaper choice than a full-time nursing home. While every family is unique and should decide on the best type of elder care for their aging loved one, home care for the elderly is usually the most affordable and effective option for many families.
Know the facts about home care for the elderly
World News,Next Big Thing in Public Knowledg
#facts #home #care #elderly
