Traditionally, when senior family members could no longer care for themselves, they were placed in a skilled nursing facility. Thanks to several home care agencies and at-home healthcare, today’s families and older adults have options. The ability to age gracefully and maintain independence through daily living activities (ADLs) is made possible by hiring and depending on in-home care services.
A patient’s options for in-home health care services are almost limitless. Depending on the patient’s situation, treatment might range from nursing to specialized medical services, such as laboratory workups. Keep reading to learn more about in-home care services.
What are In-home Care Services?
When a caregiver helps a person in need in the comfort of their home, this is called in-home care. Responsibilities vary according to the patient’s needs; for example, some people require assistance going around, while others require assistance with personal care activities such as bathing and clothing. Others, on the other hand, may necessitate medical competence, such as medication reminders and administration. This is frequently the case following surgery or when the individual has a chronic disease or condition, such as diabetes or kidney issues.
Whichever home care plan you create or the services you select, every home care is meant to make your loved ones’ lives as easy as possible. Seniors who receive home care rather than nursing home care report a higher quality of life. While the word “home care” refers to any form of care provided at home, there are several different varieties to pick from. The type of home care your senior wants and needs is determined by their circumstances.
Types of In-home Care Services
In-home care services may include the following:
Nursing Care
Individuals requiring medical attention due to an injury or disease require private nursing care. This type of care provides medical treatments to those well enough to leave the hospital but not well enough to live independently. If your loved one requires medical attention, nursing care is critical. A private nurse may be in charge of a variety of activities, including following out doctor’s orders and updating the doctor about a patient’s condition.
Personal Care
Personal care is involved with aiding your loved one in maintaining personal hygiene. It is natural for people to feel uneasy and irritated about things they can no longer do on their own as they get older. Personal care makes you feel more at ease in your own skin. A trained caregiver can assist you with anything from using the restroom to navigating your home.
Respite Care
Many caregivers have experienced what it is like to be a family caregiver. Respite care services enable family members and primary caregivers to take a well-deserved break from caring for their loved ones.
Transportation Service
One of the most important services for home care is transportation. Caregivers are accessible at all times for patients who need to travel for family visits or to get to appointments.
Speech, Occupational, or Physical Therapy
Following an illness or accident, some older adults may need assistance relearning how to perform daily tasks or improve their speech. A physical therapist can devise an in-home care plan to aid a patient in regaining or strengthening the use of muscles and joints. Relearning normal skills such as eating, dressing, and other activities can be beneficial for patients getting occupational therapy who have physical, developmental, social, or emotional issues. A speech therapist can help an older adult who has difficulty communicating clearly.
Companionship Service
Seniors left alone for extended periods (days or weeks) may experience depression and feelings of isolation. Companionship services enable seniors in continuing to socialize and engage in purposeful and meaningful relationships, which promotes their self-esteem and improves their mood.
Pharmaceutical Services
Pharmaceutical services may deliver medicine and medical supplies to your home if your loved one needs them. Although home care is not medical treatment, carers can assist you in remembering to take your prescription. Caregivers can collaborate with medical professionals to ensure your loved one takes the proper doses and remembers all medication. Caregivers are critical in keeping your family members safe by monitoring any undesirable side effects or complications caused by drugs so you may have peace of mind at all times.
Basic Assistance Care
In addition to sleep, a long and healthy life requires a good diet. Caregiver assistance with meal preparation includes help with food shopping, general kitchen safety, cooking, and clean-up following a meal. A trained caregiver can prepare enough meals for a few days to ensure that your loved one has enough to eat. Maintaining one’s physical and mental health, especially as one ages, depends on eating a good diet.
Medical Social Services
Medical social workers provide a variety of services to the elderly, including counseling and referrals to community organizations that can help them recover. If the patient’s medical condition is highly complex and calls for the coordination of numerous services, some social workers also serve as the older adult’s case manager.
Wrap-up
You can begin utilizing home care services whenever you’d like, even if your doctor may advise home health care organizations or in-home nursing services. It need not be difficult to determine the proper type of care. You may choose the next course of action with ease once you know whether your loved one needs medical attention. You can also combine in-home medical and home care services with flexible care services. Contact In-home Care Sequoia Senior Solutions for round-the-clock in-home care services. We can aid you and your loved one in obtaining stability and comfort.