Most adults over the age of 65 prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. We know that there are many long-term benefits of allowing adults the freedom to age in place. Staying at home helps seniors maintain a routine, and home provides the familiarity and comfort that no other place can.
While aging at home is the ideal situation, many seniors need help with various tasks throughout the day to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. When faced with this need, some gravitate toward assisted living or other senior living communities. While these options offer some advantages like meals, socialization, and extra support to aging adults, they are not the best fit for everyone. Home care can be an alternative.
The Elderly Often Need Specialized Care
We believe that the very nature of home care makes it the safest care environment for elderly individuals, especially now during this time of COVID-19. We know that potential exposure to the virus remains the lowest for those who can stay in their homes with limited outside contact.
The elderly population often needs specialized care to keep them stay safe and well. Because personal and companion care services are delivered one-to-one in the home environment, professional caregivers are in the best position to provide that much-needed care.
The home care industry also follows COVID-19 guidelines established by the centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caregivers take every precaution necessary to safeguard the health and safety of themselves and their clients. This includes always following established infection control protocols and being vigilant about protecting everyone from illness, be it the flu, COVID-19, or any other communicable disease.
Depending on the level of care your loved one requires, home care services can meet a variety of needs to help aging adults maintain their independence and quality of life. Home care can:
Help with activities of daily living. Home care services allow seniors to remain in their homes but still have the support they need, whether it’s on a short or long-term basis. Caregivers can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing and personal hygiene, walking and mobility, continence and toileting care, special diets and meal preparation.
Caregivers also can ensure elderly clients have the necessary supply of essentials on hand, such as freezer-friendly and non-perishable foods; prescription and over-the-counter medications; and household supplies, like toilet paper, paper towels, soap and detergent.
Provide support while recovering or rehabilitating. Home care can be an alternative to a skilled nursing facility for people who are being discharged from the hospital. Home care provides needed support while one recovers or rehabilitates while also helping them maintain independence. The one-to-one, personalized care also reduces the number of people and germs that they are exposed to, which can be a concern right now.
Help address social isolation. When seniors choose to remain in their homes there is a potential for isolation and loneliness. Home care can still address the concern over social isolation. Professional caregivers can be there for the senior when their loved ones can’t be; they can help clients stay connected to friends and family through video chat, phone calls and more; they can keep clients active with light exercise and other activities; or they can simply provide companionship.
Deliver dementia and Alzheimer’s care. This type of care can be provided at home to help families cope with the anxiety, depression, confusion and isolation that are often associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Providing this type of care in the home in familiar surroundings can offer a level of comfort that is unmatched. FirstLight Home Care has certified memory care practitioners who utilize training provided by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to develop personalized, engaging care plans for clients with various forms of dementia.
Offer family respite care services. Respite care allows family members in that primary caregiver role to take some time off from their responsibilities so they can focus on themselves for a while. While they’re away, a professional caregiver can be there to make sure that their loved one is well taken care of. The caregiver’s goal is to keep loved ones as safe and comfortable as possible.
Sometimes seniors find it difficult to have strangers come into their homes to help with the daily things they are used to doing for themselves. Home care can match caregivers with clients based on the personality, interests and needs of the client and family. An ideal match helps to build lasting relationships that provide solace to the senior and peace of mind for the family.
FirstLight Home Care provides daily assistance and the essential support the elderly need to remain in the place they call home. Whether you need options for yourself or for an aging loved one, we are here to help.
Contact our team today to learn more about how you can benefit from our home care services as an alternative to assisted living or other senior living communities.
During this time, please know that we are fully operational, and our caregivers are available to help. The safety and well-being of our caregivers, clients and community have always been our top priority. That is why we have taken extra care to provide our team with the most up-to-date safety information and training to keep everyone protected and healthy during this uncertain time.