Freedom of living at home during the aging process

Felicia Horton

AdvanCare

As we age, we all want to stay in the comfort of our own homes as long as possible. This is what aging in place is all about. It means staying in the familiar surroundings of your home instead of moving to a long-term care facility or retirement home.

If your loved one only needs a little help with their daily activities, has a supportive network of friends and family, and can access the right home care services, staying at home could be an excellent option. It's essential to explore all the available services to determine if aging in place is the best way for them to maintain their independence and enjoy their golden years.

It's no secret that the home care industry has grown significantly in recent years. With more than 3.4 million workers across the United States, these dedicated individuals provide critical personal assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities in both in-home and community-based settings. This shift towards aging in place has meant that long-term services and support are more personalized and effective.

It can be tough to admit that our loved ones need some help. We're used to them being independent and taking care of themselves, but as time passes, it can become more and more difficult for them to do so. In-home care services, including various helpful services, can help them stay home for as long as possible.

In-home care refers to a range of supportive services for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities but wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes. These services can include assistance with personal care, meal preparation, medication management, transportation, light housekeeping, and more. In-home care is typically provided by trained and experienced caregivers who work for reputable and dependable agencies.

When people and families need help with long-term care, one of the biggest challenges is finding a homecare worker compatible with their needs and resources. Many rely on their networks for referrals.

Finding reliable care is the most crucial factor in hiring home care workers, with most consumers reporting this as a top priority. The emotional aspect of this work is significant, with the importance of a worker's demonstration of love and care. Ensure the caregiver agency you choose properly screens their caregivers.

Personal care services are specifically designed to cater to the individual needs of seniors who require assistance with daily activities. These services promote independence, maintain personal hygiene, and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Personal care services encompass assistance with various activities of daily living (ADLs) that may become challenging for seniors. These include bathing and grooming, dressing and mobility, toileting, incontinence care, and medication reminders.

One of the top areas of concern in aging is a decline in healthy eating for seniors making proper nutrition essential. Maintaining energy, weight and synching dietary needs to support medical conditions are factors in establishing a healthy quality of life. Professional caregivers are a great resource to help facilitate a healthy diet.

There are many ways to improve nutritional health during the aging process, such as consuming more liquids, meal planning, minimizing the use of salt, reading all dietary labels, taking note of recommended serving sizes, reducing consumption of sugar, and aiding in consuming “healthy” fats. Hiring trained caregivers helps ensure a healthy diet.

If you have a loved one who needs help with chores like light housekeeping and laundry, hiring a caregiver to help can be a great solution. It can take a lot of pressure off you and your loved one and allow you to use your time more effectively.

One way to decide if hiring out this task is worth it is to calculate how much time you spend performing your loved ones’ housekeeping chores. Once you have a better idea, you can decide whether to hire a professional caregiver. Services can be arranged weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on their needs.

Transportation is a significant concern for older adults. Driving can be challenging, especially at night, limiting their ability to go places and stay socially connected. In-home care providers often offer transportation services as well as travel companionship options.

Home care agencies can provide door-through-door service and help with shopping arrangements and medical appointments. If a client is homebound or prefers to stay home, the aide can shop for them.

These activities are essential to maintain a high quality of life, whether it's helping someone with dressing, bathing, transportation, or meal preparation. In-home care services are available from a few hours daily to around-the-clock live-in care.

These skilled professionals can make a difference in the lives of those who need them.