Do you have an older family member that needs special care daily? You may have to consider homemaking care services for your senior loved one. This offers so many benefits ensuring that your loved one is well taken care of at all times. As people age, they may need more attention especially if they have chronic illnesses or any debilitating conditions according to Galaxy Home Care. Illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease may make a person incapable of taking care of themselves.
This includes basic tasks such as getting dressed, eating, and dressing up. In other cases, one may be able to take care of themselves but need help with other tasks such as getting groceries or cooking. Regardless of the level of needs, the best thing is to find professional services, such as home care and nursing homes for senior adults.
Benefits of home care services
Many people may choose to put an older relative into a nursing home. While this is helpful, it keeps the family member away from home which may be stressful for some. Another equally good option is home care.
In-home care services, a provider sends someone to your home to help out with all the needs of an elderly parent. This includes daily tasks including:
- getting groceries,
- cleaning,
- washing and
- Ironing, etc.
Home care can either include a live-in person to provide help 24/7 or daily visits for a few hours. Currently, more people are opting for this type of care as it offers many benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider this for your loved one.
1. Keep your family close
For the most part, nursing homes are good. They offer close monitoring and provide help with most activities. However, you may not have enough information to understand how a parent is fairing daily.
Having them at home helps you to keep a close eye on everything going on. In most cases, the caretakers are trustworthy so you won’t have to worry about anything. You can go to work, and be rest assured that your elderly family member is in good hands.
2. Special care
Old age can present limitations. The risk of fractures and the prolonged time it takes to heal make things a bit more complicated. So a person may not be able to take care of themselves the same way they would in the 50s. Home care will provide all the basic needs and additional help to your loved one.
Skilled workers are available and usually supervised by a nurse to ensure an individual is well taken care of. A special care program is created for each person taking into consideration individual needs.
For instance, those with chronic conditions that require medication will need someone to give them the needed drugs daily. Also, those recovering from a fracture usually undergo rehabilitation as part of home care.
3. A loved one remains in a familiar environment
Moving to a new environment can be distressing for many older adults. It is even harder if you have been staying in the same house for decades. Not only is the environment strange but getting accustomed to new people may also pose a challenge.
In some cases, the person may deteriorate as a result of heightened stress. To avoid this:
- keep your family member at home,
- get someone to take care of their needs,
- being close to loved ones creates a positive atmosphere,
- provide good vibes for the mental health of your family’s member.
Being at home gives a person freedom to do as many activities as they want without any restrictions. It is the best option for those recovering from a long-term illness as it promotes mobility. Early mobilization will also speed up the recovery time from injuries or after an operation.
4. No restrictions
Nursing homes have restrictions about when to visit and what activities one can do. This includes visiting hours and activities that one can do. Because of this, your family member can become depressed.
A lack of familiar faces and activities makes being away from home something many dread. But when your family member is at home there are no restrictions. You can spend as much time together and even organize family gatherings.
As long as the caretaker is around, you can go about your normal daily activities. A live-in caregiver is better because they are always around to make sure everything is well taken care of. Life can go on as before.
The other goal of home care is to make an individual more comfortable. Receiving help from home makes someone more independent, confident, and happy.
5. Cost effective
A common misconception is that getting a caretaker is expensive. However, it is quite affordable. Home care providers have different prices based on your needs. A live-in caretaker may cost more than someone who visits your home daily for a few hours. In some cases, it may be the cheaper option as compared to care or nursing homes.
Discuss with the providers the concerns and needs of your loved one. They should be able to organize an appropriate package that is also affordable. You can also use long-term care insurance for this service. Saving early on can help you prevent expenses in the future.
Final thoughts
Home care is one of the best options for older relatives that are unable to take care of themselves. These services provide help from the comfort of your home, a familiar environment for a loved one. Home care doesn’t end with cleaning and cooking. It includes buying groceries, giving prescribed medication, and other recreational activities.
Home care is affordable and the cost may vary. Most companies charge based on the level of care an individual needs. It is always good to discuss with your provider early on the services included in a package. One of the best parts is that you can choose a service to suit the individual needs of your loved one. Get your loved one the help they need right away.
