As people age, many want to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. However, declining health, mobility issues, and difficulty with everyday tasks can make aging in place challenging without some assistance. Fortunately, there are various types of in-home care services available to help seniors live safely at home.
For older adults who need help but want to avoid moving to a senior living facility, home care professionals can provide valuable support. Aging in place simply means someone plans to live in their own home for as long as they’re able to, even if they’ll need to hire some help to do so.
There are many different services that can help seniors age in place successfully by minimizing caregiver burden, extending independence, improving safety, providing home health care, and more. The team at Elder Junction can help families navigate the options and connect with local resources to create a comprehensive plan for in-home care.
Housekeeping and Chore Services
As seniors age, household chores like cleaning, laundry, and yardwork can become increasingly difficult and tiring. Hiring a housekeeper or handyman can take these tasks off their plate. Even a monthly deep clean can make a big difference so that the senior only needs to focus on lighter daily tasks.
Home care aides can also provide light housekeeping to ensure the senior is living in a clean, safe, and organized environment. Their job is to provide personal support and supervision, not heavy-duty cleaning like window washing or carpet cleaning.
Grocery Shopping and Errand Running
Many seniors struggle with getting to the store to buy groceries and run errands. Fortunately, more and more businesses now offer delivery service and curbside pick-up. Countless goods can be ordered online, and local grocery stores, pharmacies, dry cleaners, and other retailers provide same-day delivery or express pick-up. This can make shopping much easier for seniors who tire easily, have limited mobility, or can no longer drive.
If transportation is the main issue, there are several options including public transit, taxis, ride-hailing services, and transportation provided by home care agencies. Hired companions or aides can provide door-through-door service, help with shopping lists and purchases, and even take notes at appointments.
Meal Preparation
When a senior isn’t eating well, it can seriously impact their health. Meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels provide healthy meals to those 60+ who have limited mobility and struggle to cook for themselves. Meals are usually provided on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.
Home care aides can also plan, shop for, and cook fresh meals from scratch. Seniors often enjoy exploring recipes and cooking together. Even if an aide doesn’t visit frequently, they can prepare large batches of homemade dishes to freeze for reheating later. The social aspect of sharing meals is especially beneficial for seniors living alone.
Personal Care Assistance
As a senior’s health declines, their ability to manage personal hygiene tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming may diminish. Trained home care aides can provide discreet assistance with bathing, toileting, incontinence care, and other personal care needs. This allows the senior to maintain their dignity while ensuring good health and hygiene.
Some seniors feel more comfortable receiving this intimate care from a professional rather than a family member. Aides are specially trained to help quickly and discretely with showers, baths, and bed baths. Many stylists and salons also offer in-home services for haircuts, shaving, and nail care.
Medication Management
Keeping track of multiple medications can be challenging, especially for seniors with cognitive impairment. Home care aides can provide medication reminders, confirm the correct dosages are taken, and note any issues. In some cases, a nurse may even come to the home to administer medications if the senior requires skilled nursing care.
Mobility Assistance
Limited mobility can make it difficult and dangerous for seniors to get around. Home care aides provide increased supervision and help with transfers, reducing the risk of falls. Seniors are often more active and less anxious when they know help is close by. Aides are happy to take walks with clients and participate in exercises to maintain mobility.
Companionship and Supervision
Loneliness and isolation are common issues for seniors living alone. Home care companions provide friendly conversation, emotional support, and engaging activities. They can also provide supervision for those with cognitive impairment to ensure their safety and well-being.
Skilled Nursing Care
For seniors with complex medical needs, home health care provides skilled nursing services ordered by a physician. This can include wound care, medication management, physical therapy, and other short-term rehabilitative services. Home health aides work under the supervision of a nurse to provide personal care.
By exploring the various in-home care services available, families can create a customized plan to help their loved one age in place safely and comfortably. The team at Elder Junction is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and connect you with local resources to make this process easier. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support in navigating your options for in-home care.