We all age, but we age differently.
Some could live independently while others may need home care. Home care is any type of domestic support or assistance provided to a person in their home.
It doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, as the services provided are non-medical.
The services could be provided for a few hours a day, but it could also be 24/7.
Older adults typically avail this due to the age-related difficulties they experience.
However, disabled individuals or recovering patients may also avail of this service.
Aging in Place
Home care is an option for seniors who want to remain on their homes.
Aging in place allows them to retain a degree of independence in life. It keeps them near the places they are used to, near the community they belong.
According to AARP, 90% of older adults in the United States prefer to remain at home for as long as possible.
Of course, there will be difficulties, such as mobility and housekeeping. Seniors who live by themselves will find it more difficult as the years go by.
But to address those difficulties, home care is available.
Home Care Activities
Home care is performed by professionals such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or caregivers. Typically, they are hired through an agency.
The agency matches you with a care provider that fits your needs and situation.
Depending on the service you availed, they could provide companionship, light housekeeping, or asked to do errands.
They could assist in more intimate activities like bathing and toileting.
They could also provide mobility assistance.
Some seniors, however, need more care. Loved ones of seniors who suffer from chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s may opt for live-in care.
Having a professional care provider removes unnecessary stress and resentment from family members.
Regardless of the situation, home care greatly improves a senior’s quality of life.
Home Care vs Home Health Care
Home health care is different from home care.
The former requires a doctor’s prescription as it is a medical procedure. It is provided by a licensed health professional, like a Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist.
It is typically given as part of recovery after hospitalization. Activities in home health care are physical therapy, administration of medication, wound care, etc.
Home care, meanwhile, is a non-medical assistance that focuses on a person’s daily activities.
Although CNAs and caregivers understand the difficulties that seniors go through, they are not licensed to provide medical care.
What they offer, instead, is compassionate care.
When to Seek In-Home Care
Look out for signs.
Are the dishes are already piling up? Is their home full of junk and clutter? Are they wearing dirty clothes and no longer keeping themselves clean?
A neglect of personal hygiene is one of the red flags to look out for.
It could be a sign that your aging loved one is already having difficulties with their daily activities.
If that is the case, you might want to consider home care.
The care plan for older adults is a necessary albeit difficult conversation that families must have.
As much as we focus on our loved one’s physical health, we should also focus on their quality of life.
Is it Affordable?
Typically, home care is charged per hour. Also, the more complex the care, the higher the cost.
Most of the time, it is paid out of pocket by the senior and/or their loved ones. It is not cheap, but it is cheaper than other options like nursing home.
Home care could be personalized depending on your needs.
The hours could be limited to only what’s necessary. Unlike in a nursing home, where the senior is charged monthly.
It is advised to hire a care provider through an agency to lessen your burden.
The agency will conduct the necessary background checks and trainings, and they will settle the care provider’s salary, insurances, and taxes.
In the end, it all comes to this: home is where seniors want to spend their sunset years, and the freedom and peace of being allowed to age in place—now, that’s priceless.
Innovative Homecare Solutions, Inc., is one of the leading home care providers in Illinois. We believe that Aging can be an Awesome experience! We aim to restore dignity and promote independence in the comfort of your own home. To find out more about our services, call us at (630) 225-0100.
