If asked, most seniors who want to age in place do so because they want to stay independent. Facing health challenges, cognitive changes, or other issues can make it difficult for seniors to get the independence they crave. Home care providers offer a supportive solution that keeps seniors independent while also helping them to be both safe and comfortable.
Safety and Fall Prevention
Mobility issues become more common as seniors grow older and it can be more difficult for them to know what to do to deal with those issues when they’re trying to handle it all alone. Home care providers offer support with walking, getting in and out of bed, and more. They’re there to remind seniors to use mobility aids and watch for potential fall hazards safely.
Help with Daily Activities
One of the biggest ways home care can help seniors stay independent is through supporting them with activities of daily living, or ADLs. Seniors may have trouble with tasks necessary for health and happiness, like bathing or brushing their teeth. Professional caregivers are there to offer support, but only after seniors express a need for help. They’re not there to take over these activities for seniors.
Companionship
Seniors aging in place may find themselves spending a lot of time alone. This can very quickly lead to loneliness and isolation and seniors may feel powerless to change alone. Home care providers help in practical ways, but they also are there to offer companionship and boost mental and emotional health for seniors.
Support with Household Tasks
Every household involves taking care of certain chores and household tasks. As seniors age, they may no longer be able to keep up with those tasks in the same ways they did in the past. Elder care providers can help with light household tasks and keep the house tidy so that seniors are safe and comfortable in their homes.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
Part of staying happy and healthy involves making changes to habits like dietary needs, exercise, and other similar routines. Often these changes are recommended by healthcare providers, but that doesn’t mean seniors find them easy to adopt. Home care providers can help aging adults eat healthier meals more often and slowly get used to moving more if it’s safe for seniors to do so.
Flexible Care
It might sound like home care is rigid and fits certain guidelines only, but that isn’t the case. In reality, senior care is incredibly flexible. Every senior’s needs are different from the people around them. Home care providers have experience helping tons of aging adults, but they use unique care plans for every single person and family they help.
Social Support
Beyond companionship, home care providers can also help seniors re-engage with the community around them. By assisting with transportation needs and mobility challenges, seniors may feel safer and more confident being out and about. This helps ensure that seniors continue to live active and fulfilling lives.
Home care offers a variety of types of assistance to seniors and family caregivers while they face different challenges as they age in place. The key is understanding the care recipient’s needs and meeting them in ways that make sense for everyone involved.