The function of home care is somewhat warped in today’s society.
With false stereotypes pushed forth in mainstream media and a constant conversation about the benefits of aging in place, the golden years remain in a frustrating limbo of misinformation. When you find yourself with a family member getting on in their years, it’s understandable to feel a little lost at sea. Do you try to do what everyone else is doing or look up at-home caregivers? The list below may not be comprehensive — not when everyone’s story is different — but it’s a good place to start for the uninitiated.
From activities for seniors to dementia care, extended home care is a great resource you might find yourself using.
America’s Rapidly Aging Population
The United States has a lot of catching up to do. In just a few decades over 20% of the population will be over the age of 65, making extended home care an essential resource. While some choose to utilize assisted living facilities — whether due to severe illness or a schedule too cramped for home care — others prefer to ‘age in place’. Choosing the right solution for your loved one means sitting down and having an honest conversation about limitations. Disability assistance, disease management, and after surgery care are all possible solutions to help a family member transition from one area of life to the other.
The Onset Of Dementia
One of today’s most debilitating diseases is Alzheimer’s. In the top 10 most deadly conditions, it affects millions of Americans today and puts them in a position that makes aging in place difficult, if not impossible. Alzheimer’s is a severe form of dementia that affects motor control, creates memory loss, and can make even simple tasks incredibly difficult. Caregiver resources today include dementia care facilities and at home care that specializes in this condition. Dementia care is one area that should be addressed as soon as possible, as this is one chronic disease that cannot be preveneted, slowed, or cured.
Common Activities For Seniors
A major element brought by home nursing services are activities for seniors. Due to the somewhat isolating nature of aging — ranging from body changes to social changes — it can be easy for individuals to feel left out of the loop. Activities for seniors is also essential for pushing back against the side-effects of aging, promoting a mentally and physically healthy lifestyle. This includes calming activities like reading, painting, and knitting. These can also include traveling, golfing, and light physical exercise.
Life Enrichment Programs For Seniors
Aging doesn’t have to be a lonely and exhausting process. The golden years are simply the next stage of life, an outlook that companion care services take great care to emphasize in their work. Home care services make sure to cultivate a strong and caring community for your loved one, helping them meet similar people and bringing out their best through activities for seniors and around-the-clock medical care. Unlike assisted living homes, home care services slot easily into an individual’s day-to-day life in the comfort of their own home.
Applying With Home Care Agencies
You know you have a loved one starting to show signs of dementia. You feel assisted living homes aren’t the right option for them to live their best quality of life. Living well with chronic disease is more than possible with caregiver services. Flexible enough to approach a variety of debilitating conditions and widespread enough to be easy to implement, home care services are becoming more needed than ever. Applying for long term home care means sitting with a professional and starting the conversation.
Write down a list of simple questions and get started sooner rather than later. Home care is a wonderful resource to help your family look forward to the future.
