If you’re a family caregiver – a person who provides regular physical, emotional or household support to a loved one who is elderly, disabled, ill or recovering – you’re in good company. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, an estimated 43.5 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the past 12 months.
But even with millions of other caregivers sharing their experiences, many family caregivers can feel overwhelmed, anxious and alone. In fact, a recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that “…family caregivers need more recognition, information and support to fulfill their responsibilities and maintain their own health, financial security and well-being.”
The services of a trusted non-medical home care provider, like FirstLight Home Care, can help.
Filling the gap
Non-medical home care fills the gap between medically skilled services and the everyday tasks that a person may be able to complete him or herself. From household duties like cooking, cleaning and laundry to individual needs such as bathing and hygiene, mobility support and assistance with eating, non-medical homecare helps people maintain independence and quality of life. And it can be a valuable lifeline for the family caregiver.
Supporting those in need – and those who love them
Home care was designed to provide support to people with a wide range of needs. And to lighten the load for the loved ones who would otherwise be the sole caregivers. Regardless of the level of support needed, family caregivers who take advantage of home care typically have some things in common – they need more resources to sustain their loved one’s independence and freedom, and they want help restoring flexibility and balance to their own lives.
Extending caregiving resources
Home care services can provide you with extensive resources – wherever and whenever you need them. Services can be provided for a short period to help you get through a busy time or on a long-term basis as part of the ongoing care of a loved one. Because caregiving needs don’t stop at night, on the weekends or on holidays, home care services are typically available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
FirstLight can extend your resources with the following services for clients 18 years of age or older:
- Personal Care, which provides assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing and hygiene, walking and mobility, continence and toileting care, special diets and meal preparation and more.
- Companion Care, which provides presence and companionship through activities such as regular visits for conversation and company, involvement in recreation, light housekeeping and laundry, errands and transportation, medication reminders and more.
- Respite Care, which allows family caregivers to step out of their everyday routine and take the time to relax, energize and refresh. The service provides family caregivers with a break while professionals ensure their loved ones are cared for – for a couple of hours, an entire day or even overnight.
- Travel Companion Program, which helps make travel manageable and memorable by providing support during a vacation or travel to a special event. The service assists with logistics, transportation, luggage and daily needs like bathing, dressing or meals. Traveling companion services, including FirstLight’s, were featured this week in a story in the New York Times .
- Dementia Care, which provides care plans to help people who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s cope with the anxiety, depression, confusion and isolation that is often associated with the disease. Services are highly personalized and designed not only to help the dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferer, but the entire family unit.
FirstLight is your lifeline.*
If you’re a family caregiver, you don’t have to do it alone. FirstLight Home Care is here to provide you with the support and advice you need. Not just because it’s our business. But because we believe it’s our calling. If you have a question about how we can help provide care for your loved one, or if you simply need advice about a caregiving issue, use our Just Ask FirstLight service to connect to an expert today.
* FirstLight Home Care services are provided to clients 18 years of age and older.
Content Note: You didn’t miss it! Information all about fall vaccinations for older adults is coming to the FirstLight Blog next week.