One of the scariest things about getting older is the fear that you might not be able to take care of yourself anymore. This is especially true for seniors who have loved ones living with them. It can be challenging to ask for help, but it’s important to do what’s best for your safety and independence. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can get help at home and stay safe and independent!
- Living with Elderly at Home
- Aging in place
- Aged Care Services
- Factors to consider about Home Care Support Services
Living with Elderly at Home
Whether it’s a parent, a grandparent, a relative, a friend, or ourselves, the new difficulties and changes that come with getting older necessitate our adaptability, flexibility, and openness to change. Instead of focusing on the negatives that we may associate with our senior years and long-term care (declines in health, physical mobility, cognitive ability, and social isolation), we should have a non-judgmental approach to our bodies’ natural changes and concentrate on what we can do during our later years. Our older years are defined by our ability to reside in one’s own home rather than a nursing facility, which is a positive and empowering idea becoming more popular and accessible. Aging in place is increasingly feasible as technological advancements, home renovations, a variety of caregiving services, and the involvement and engagement of our family members as your family caregivers make it possible for many people to do so. Let’s find out what we can do to help the elderly live their best lives at home.
Aging in place
It implies living in your own home as you get older rather than moving into a retirement or long-term care facility. If you just require minor assistance with your day-to-day chores, have a close network of family and friends nearby, and can utilize the appropriate home care services, aging in place and receiving residential care may be an option. You can discover if aging in place is the best option to retain your independence and enjoy your golden years by looking at the many available services.
Aged Care Services
Household maintenance
It takes a significant amount of effort to keep a household running smoothly. If you’re having difficulties keeping up, consider hiring a housekeeper, chef, shopper, gardener, cleaner, or handyman. Financial and healthcare administration might also be useful if you’re having trouble keeping track of your expenses and appointments.
Transportation
Older adults have numerous transportation issues. It might be difficult to drive, or you may simply dislike driving at night. Trains, buses, rideshare applications, low-cost taxi services, and senior ride options can assist you to keep your independence and maintaining your social network.
Home modifications
If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications can go a long way towards keeping your existing residence comfortable and accessible. Modifications can include grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs, or even installing a new bathroom on the ground floor.
Personal care
Help with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or meal preparation (cooked or delivered meals), is called personal or custodial care. Home health aides can provide personal care services that range from a few hours a day to around-the-clock live-in care. They may also provide limited assistance with taking blood pressure or offering medication reminders.
Health care
Some medical and basic support services can be provided at home by a trained healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, social worker, or a home health nurse. Check with your insurance or health service to see what kind of coverage is available, although you may have to cover some costs out of pocket. Hospice care can also be provided at home.
Day programs
Physical, emotional, and mental health is the key to aging well as an older adult. It is said that the more active and social you are, and the more you use your brain, the more benefits you will get. Day programs or adult day care can help you keep busy with activities and socialization during the day while providing a break for your caregivers. Some daycare programs and community care services are primarily social, while others provide limited health services or specialize in disorders such as early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Factors to consider about Home Care Support Services
It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older. The familiar can be comforting as we face the losses that inevitably come with aging, and your home is likely filled with fond memories and your neighbourhood with familiar people. However, taking a step back to look at the big picture can help you decide whether staying at home for the long term truly is the right step for you. Too often, decisions to leave home are made abruptly after a sudden loss or health crisis, making adjustments more painful and difficult. Earlier planning and examining which home care services are available can make it easier to choose right for both you and your family. Of course, everyone’s needs vary, depending on factors like how much support you have, your general health and mobility, and your financial situation. Here are some of the issues to consider when evaluating your aging in place and home care options:
Location and accessibility
Where is your home located? Are you in a rural or suburban area that requires a lot of driving? If you’re in an area with more public transit, is it safe and easily accessible? How much time does it take you to get to services like shopping or medical appointments? It’s also important to consider proximity to community services and activities.
Home accessibility and maintenance
Is your home easily modified? Does it have a lot of steps or a steep hill to access? Do you have a large yard that needs to be maintained? The aged care assessment team may need to study your overall condition before providing necessary support.
Support available
Do you have family and friends nearby? How involved are they? Are they able to provide you with the social support you need? Answering yes to these questions can be such a relief. Many older adults prefer to rely on family to provide help, but as your needs increase, they might not be able to fill in all of the gaps. Depending on your care needs, services can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Home Care Package Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially if it is primarily on one person, such as a spouse or child. Your relationships may be healthier if you are open to the idea of getting help from more than one source.
Isolation
If it becomes difficult or impossible for you to leave home without help, isolation can rapidly set in. You may not be able to participate in hobbies you once loved, stay involved in community service that kept you motivated, or visit with friends and family. Losing these connections and support is a recipe for depression.
Medical conditions
No one can predict the future. However, suppose you or your spouse has a chronic medical condition that is expected to worsen over time. In that case, it’s especially important to think about how you will handle health and mobility problems. What are common complications of your condition, and how will you handle them?
Finances
Making a budget with anticipated expenses can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation. Alternate arrangements like assisted living can be expensive, but extensive in-home help can rapidly become expensive, especially at higher levels of care and live-in or 24-hour coverage.
Your family’s opinions
Naturally, you have the final decision about where you want to live, but input from family members can be helpful. Are they worried about your safety or a health problem that will eventually require heavy care? Listening to concerns and keeping an open mind are keys. We’ve created this guide to help you better understand home care services and navigate the caregiver hiring process. Find detailed information on the types of home care, how much home care costs, and how to pay for it, signs it’s time for in-home care, and how to find the best provider for your loved one.
References:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2020/01/10/top-10-tips-for-caring-for-older-adults/?sh=5fa69b4a7a5e https://www.caring.com/senior-care/in-home-care/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home https://aginginplace.org/helping-the-elderly-at-home/ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/home-care-services-for-seniors.htm
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