Some Senior Care Ideas for Families

Old age care is a trending topic of discussion in many families; obviously, there would be elderly people in every family. It is quite normal that such families start to feel anxious about providing senior care for their family members. For most, the troubling thing is how to ensure proper medical care for the seniors.

Seniors would need to be properly cared when they fall sick. They need to be encouraged and consoled when they become too emotional or sad. There should be at least one person to look after the needs of a senior person round the clock. However, if you are an employed person, you can hardly be around your elder always. In this scenario, the ideal thing would be to send the senior person to a senior care facility or hire in-home senior care services.

Some Senior Care Options

There are various types of senior care options today. This includes old age homes, nursing homes, in-home care, senior day care, and assisted living homes. Although much better care is offered at all these facilities, it is recommended to understand the type of care offered at these places before opting for one, because it will help you choose the right senior care option for your elderly.

The seniors have to relocate to elder care homes and senior housing facilities. They are charged on monthly or year basis, which includes food and accommodation, plus other services such as housekeeping and personal assistance as and when needed.

In-home care, on the other hand, is different from senior housing services. Here, a caretaker from the senior care service would attend to the elderly at your home every day. In cases where the patients are too sick or unable to perform their personal tasks, the caretaker would live with the senior and take care of them round the clock.

Daycare for seniors is another option, where the families drop off their seniors at the facility when they go to work and pick them up on their return. This way, the seniors do not have to spend their daytime alone at home. Moreover, they can be with the family members every day.

These are some of the common senior care options available today. It is good to seek the opinion of your senior family member before finalizing the type of care you should provide them with. Remember, proper care for your seniors is essential for their well-being. So make your choice wisely.

In-Home Health Care Options

In-home care includes many services that are provided in the home, rather than in a care facility or a hospital. In-home health care will allow seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia to stay at home while receiving the adequate care they need. However, you should understand that not all in-home care services are the same.

Some of the in-home caregivers offer only non-medical help, like help with daily routines and living, whereas some providers include medical care in their services as well. The medical care is offered by a licensed healthcare professional, like a therapist or a nurse, so that all the needs of the senior are met appropriately. Below is a brief look at the different types of in-home care services.

Personal Care Services – These services offer help with bathing, toileting, dressing, exercising, eating, and other personal care.

Companion Care Services – Companion care services offer assistance in recreational activities, supervision, and visiting.

Skilled Care Services – They offer services with wound care, physical therapy, injections, and other medical needs by a licensed healthcare professional. Usually, a home healthcare agency will coordinate this type of skilled care services.

Homemaker Services – Homemaker services offer help with housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping.

Finding In-Home Care Services

If you are searching for in-home caregivers, the following resources can help you find the best in-home caregiver in your area.

Talk to the Physician

Consulting with the physician who offers care for your aging parents is a great place to start. You may ask the doctor for recommendations of in-home health care providers who have good experience in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Call Local Alzheimer’s Association

The chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in your locality will be able to offer you help in finding the best in-home caregiver in your area. They can also provide you referrals on caregivers.

Ask Neighbors, Friends, and Family

You may also ask your neighbors, friends, and family to know more about the services offered by the home health care agency that you are planning to hire. This will help you have a firsthand opinion, as they might have used the in-home care services offered by the agency.