It can become increasingly difficult to take care of ourselves as we age. Whether it’s due to physical limitations or cognitive decline, a time may come when you or a loved one must receive in-home care.
In this article, we will explain what this type of senior care is, and enumerate the signs that means it may be time for you or your loved one to be cared for, including changes in physical and mental health, difficulty with daily activities, and a decline in personal hygiene. We will also explore its benefits, among which is the convenience of receiving personalized attention in a familiar environment like your own home.
WHAT IS IN-HOME CARE?
Also known as social or domiciliary care, in-home care is a form of healthcare designed to help individuals who cannot care for themselves due to medical reasons like illness, disability, or aging. In this kind of care service, the person is cared for in their own home, receiving various kinds of assistance, such as with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as medical care, such as administering medication and monitoring vital signs.
The services may be provided by a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, such as a nurse or home health aide. This senior care can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It also allows individuals to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes.
THE BENEFITS OF IN-HOME CARE
Some older patients need a certain level of care that only in-home care can provide. Below are its several benefits.
Familiar environment. This approach to senior care allows patients to receive care in their homes, which can be more familiar and more comfortable than a hospital or nursing home setting.
Personalized attention. Domiciliary care is typically provided by a single caregiver. This allows for a more individualized care and a stronger caregiver-patient relationship.
Independence. This senior living setup helps patients maintain their independence as it allows them to continue living and making decisions in their own homes.
Flexibility. It can be tailored to meet the individual’s specific living requirements, and can be adjusted as their needs change.
Cost effectiveness. This is a less expensive form of senior care, compared to others such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Continuity of care. This allows a patient to communicate with their caregiver how they want to be assisted, helping improve the overall quality of care the patient receives.
Family involvement. This intimate setup allows a patient’s family members to be more involved in caring for their aging loved one, benefiting both the patient and the family.
Less hospitalization. Home health care benefits older adults who are more vulnerable to complications as it helps reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and readmission.
Despite its benefits, this type of setup may not be suitable for everyone. A comprehensive assessment should be done to determine if the individual’s needs can be met using this approach.
PATIENT CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE IN-HOME CARE
There are tell-tale signs that may indicate it’s time to hire domiciliary care. If you start feeling any of these signs or seeing them manifest on your loved one, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Changes in physical health. This is when a patient has started to have difficulty with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or grooming, or has difficulty walking or standing.
Changes in mental health. If a patient is experiencing confusion, memory loss, or other cognitive declines, it may be time for them to consider home care to receive support and supervision.
Difficulty with self-care. This is when a patient starts to need help in managing their medications, preparing their meals, or keeping their home clean.
Safety concerns. If a patient is having difficulty with mobility and is at risk of getting into slip-and-fall accidents, It is a definite cause to consider home care for them.
Decline in personal hygiene. Everyone needs to maintain good hygiene. Anyone having trouble bathing and grooming themselves requires social care.
Recent hospitalization. If an individual has been recently hospitalized and cannot fully recover, getting them into senior home care will prevent them from being readmitted as soon as they get home.
Isolation. If an individual is living in isolation with no one checking in on them, hiring a caregiver to look after them will provide them with companionship.
PATIENT CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE IN-HOME CARE
It is important to note that everyone’s needs are different especially as they age, and having a conversation with a healthcare provider will help you make a wiser decision when it comes to you or anyone in your family that needs to be cared for.
Here at Senior Living Selections, we offer a valuable option for aging adults who wish to age in the comfort of their homes. It’s a great option for seniors who want to receive the necessary care and support while maintaining their independence and wellbeing.
We tailor our services offered to meet our clients’ unique individual needs. Our team of trained and compassionate caregivers ensure that our senior clients receive the highest level of care and support in the comfort of their own homes.
Contact us today if you need help in finding the right type of senior care for you or your elderly loved ones.
