Almost 90% of retirement-aged homeowners want to age in place. But what exactly does that mean?
Well, instead of moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home, the vast majority of seniors wish to remain in the comfort of their own home. And home health care is the perfect solution to ensure they can do just that while staying safe and healthy.
Do you want to know more? Then keep reading to learn what in-home health care entails and all the benefits seniors and elderly veterans can enjoy.
1. The Comfort of Staying at Home
What really sets in-home care apart from other types of senior care is the ability to stay at home. And that’s a selling point for most seniors.
Staying at home helps them maintain a feeling of independence and familiarity. It’s also less stressful since they won’t have to worry about looking for a facility, selling their home, and packing their belongings.
The rooms available at facilities are typically much smaller than a senior’s current home, meaning they’d have to get rid of some belongings. But by staying at home, elderly veterans still have the room to keep all their possessions and war memorabilia exactly where it is.
2. Help with Day-to-Day Activities
Have you noticed that your parent’s home seems dirty? Are they having trouble getting dressed in the morning and taking a shower?
An in-home care service can help your parent complete these activities while remaining at home. Most companies will help with light housekeeping, cooking, running errands, bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, dressing, and incontinence care. This ensures that your parent will get the help they need without having to move into a facility.
3. Help Managing Medications
Typically, in-home care companies do not provide medical care. However, they do help with medication management by reminding your parent when it’s time to take their medicine.
If your parent does require additional medical help, there are in-home nursing companies. A registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner will come into your parent’s home to help with things like administering medication, dressing injuries, taking vital signs, and monitoring overall health.
Some companies will provide in-home care and in-home nursing services, making them a great option if your parent requires both types of care.
4. Maintaining Independence
One of the best parts about home health care is that seniors can keep their lifestyle the way it currently is. They have the independence to create their own schedule, choose what they eat, and decorate their home however they want.
They can also keep going to the same grocery stores, banks, and doctor’s offices. This helps seniors and elderly veterans feel like they still have control over their own lives and may make them more likely to accept help.
5. Ability to Participate in Hobbies
Hobbies become increasingly important as people age. Depending on the activity, it can help keep your parent mentally stimulated, get them up and moving around, and improve their mood and mental health!
If they move into a facility, they may not be able to pursue certain hobbies like ceramics or gardening. However, by opting for home health care, they can keep all their hobby supplies at home and continue to do what they love with the help of a caregiver.
6. Companionship
Caregivers do so much more than help your parent bathe and get dressed. Oftentimes, seniors begin to feel lonely and isolated, especially if their spouse has passed away.
When they have the same caregivers coming in their home, they get to know one another and form a friendship. This means that your parent has the chance to socialize and enjoy their time with their caregiver. Your parent can even share some of their favorite activities by playing cards, going for walks, or watching movies together.
7. Ability to Keep Pets
Of course, caregivers aren’t the only ones that offer companionship. Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness while also helping your parent feel important and needed.
Unfortunately, not all senior facilities allow pets, so your parent would have to deal with a whole new environment and giving up their beloved furry friend. But when they age in place, they can continue to enjoy the company of their pet.
8. Diet and Nutrition Assistance
When cooking becomes a difficult task, many seniors opt for frozen dinners and other unhealthy options. But a home health care company helps ensure your parent is eating nutritious meals.
Since they can help with cooking, your parent can enjoy their favorite meals without overexerting themselves. They may even start to enjoy cooking again!
9. Affordability
When seniors move into an assisted living facility, they pay a large monthly fee, even if they don’t require all the available care.
Home health care gives you the flexibility to only pay for the care your parent needs. This can make it extremely affordable, especially for those who only need care a few hours a day or a few days a week.
There are also many agencies that provide financial assistance to veterans. By just doing a little research, you can save tons on veterans home care.
10. Peace of Mind
Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your parent? What if they fall or hurt themselves when you’re not there?
Home health care gives you peace of mind, knowing that somebody is there to care for your parent when you can’t be. This also gives you a much-needed break to reduce stress and let you fully enjoy your visits with your parent.
Your Guide to Home Health Care
If your parent is struggling to care for themselves, it’s time to look for professional help. And a home health care company may be the best choice. From helping your parent with day-to-day activities to offering companionship, home health care is a well-rounded option to let your parent safely age in place.
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