In Home Health Care for Elders

Senior citizens have many concerns about living in their own homes as they grow older, but moving to a new home or facility can be difficult at any age. Furthermore, a facility is not always necessary. In-home care allows senior citizens to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home.

Though planning ahead is sometimes difficult since you may not know how or when your needs will change, it is important to consider the type of assistance that may be of use to you in the near future. Begin by thinking of any illnesses you may have such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Consult your doctors. You should also consider whether you need help getting dressed, preparing a meal, or remembering to take your medicine. This sort of assistance can easily be addressed using in home care.

As you continue searching for the agency that best fits your needs, you will learn about the different kinds of in-home care available in your area. You will also learn about the resources available to senior citizens from your community and the Federal Government. If cost is a concern, TheCaringSpace.com can provide suggestions for free or low-cost services. The site can also provide information about assistance that may cost more. Certain insurance companies cover in-home care for senior citizens, so you should check your plan to find out.

Everyday activities can become difficult as we grow older. For many senior citizens, taking care of their homes and themselves becomes more and more challenging. If this is the case with any of your relatives or friends, ask them if they need any assistance. Think about how you and others can help, and offer your assistance. Talk to friends who may have loved ones undergoing the same life changes, and ask them how they are handling care for their aging relatives.

In home care can provide you with almost any sort of assistance you may need in your home, usually at some cost to you. Below is a list of common concerns that senior citizens may have when living at home along with a few suggestions of services to make living at home easier.

Personal care. This includes washing your hair, bathing, and getting dressed. In some cases, a relative or friend may be able to help; in others, it may be necessary to hire an in-home health care aide to assist you for a short time each day. Homemaking. This includes daily activities like household chores, shopping, and laundry. Certain grocery stores and pharmacies can take phone orders and deliver items. You may consider hiring someone from a cleaning service to clean your home and possibly help with laundry. Also, there are laundry services that pick up and deliver clothing. Usually, in-home health care aides and caregivers will help with these chores as directed. Meals. This includes preparing food. It may be possible to share cooking responsibilities with friends and family members a few times each week. Senior centers, churches, and synagogues sometimes serve meals. Also, in-home health care workers will generally provide meal preparation as directed. Money management. This includes paying bills such as home utilities, doctor’s bills, and health insurance claim forms. Many banks will directly deposit the payment for regular bills, like rent or mortgage and utilities, directly from your checking account. Asking a trusted friend or relative to help may be a possibility; if not, financial counselors or geriatric care managers can assist you.

Health care. This includes taking medication and managing other devices and health concerns. Some people find it helpful to set an alarm clock as a reminder to take medicines. If you need additional services, you may be able to hire a home health care aide. Getting around. This includes moving around your home or going into town. If you are not able to drive, volunteer escort services are available, or you may take public transportation or taxis. Asking a relative or friend to take you may be another option. Staying social. This includes remaining active and social. Senior centers provide many activities and will help you connect with other senior citizens. If you cannot leave your home, you may want to have regular visits with a friend or family member. Volunteers from your local place of worship or community center can also provide companionship. Safety. This refers to avoiding crime and elder abuse. It is important to contact the police if you experience elder abuse. This includes physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse and neglect. Or, if you are worried about becoming sick when you are alone and unable to call for help, an emergency alert system may be a good solution. Outside care. This refers to adult day care. If you live with someone who works during the day and you do not want to be alone during that time, adult day care may be an option. Housing. This includes changes to the house to make it easier to live in. A ramp may be more useful than stairs. Grab bars in the bathtub or shower can help you maintain balance. Nonskid floors decrease your chance of falling. More comfortable door and faucet handles can help ease pain associated with conditions like arthritis.

Resources

It is crucial to be aware of and to use resources in your area. Below is a list of people and agencies that may be able to help you. People you know. Many senior citizens rely on family members, friends, and neighbors to help them. Those you are close with may be able to help you find the best way to meet your needs. Community and local government. Your local government provides many services for senior citizens. Some of these may be found in your community. Social workers and health care professionals may be able to provide suggestions. Contacting your state and local offices on aging or social services, as well as your local Area Agency on Aging, may also be helpful. Geriatric care managers. Specially trained geriatric care managers can help assist with and coordinate senior citizen elder care for a cost. They will help you make a long-term care plan and find the services that are appropriate for your needs. When family members are not close by, geriatric care managers can check in with you from time to time and oversee your other elder care services such as in-home health aides.

Federal Government. The Federal Government provides many resources for senior citizens. The Internet is a good place to look. The Eldercare Locator, your local Area Agency on Aging, and Medicare may be good places to start. Home Health Care Agencies. Home health care agencies coordinate and provide home health aides to assist senior citizens in their home for a cost. They often have a staff that includes social workers and nurses who will manage your care. TheCaringSpace.com. This is an online resource that helps connect senior citizens with independent in home health care providers. This includes homemakers/companions, home health aides, certified nurse assistants, certified nurses, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and social workers/case managers.  Hiring an independent cohort or in-home health aide is usually less expensive than using a home health care agency.

In Home Health Aides

When support from friends, family, and community organizations is not enough, it may be useful to hire a home health aide. Aides can provide care ranging from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. They can assist with individual care like bathing, oral hygiene, dressing, and shaving. They can also give nutrition help by preparing meals, assisting with feeding, and shopping for groceries. They can help with homemaking, such as laundry, dishwashing, and light housework. They provide companionship, like reading to the client, taking care of pets, taking the client on leisure outings, and running errands. They can also help with general health management, such as administration of medication. For more details, visit www.TheCaringSpace.com

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About the Author:
Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is working to determine suitable standards for all home care centers. For about two years he has focused on issues of home care centers and has talked with many people about their experiences with home care agency agencies. He currently works with TheCaringSpace.com, a site that allows caregivers to easily connect with seniors in need of care.
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