Home care services may be one of the last things on your mind. Many of us may associate care services with a nursing home or hospice. However, there is much more to receiving care in the comfort of your home than you may know about. Let’s define home care and how to get started.
What is Home Care?
Home care services cover a variety of activities of daily living (ADLs) by professional caregivers that provide care where you live. Home care covers the same care services you would receive in a care facility but allows you to stay in your home and age in place. Homecare caregivers may be certified nurse aides, home health aides, or non-certified caregivers.
Where to Start?
There are many ways to get started with home care services for you or your loved one. Usually, this starts with an event in which care is needed such as a medical procedure or an accident such as a fall. This can be a difficult time for everyone involved and something that was not planned for. Starting the conversation with loved ones early is key to being prepared for services that may be needed in the future. Finding a home care provider such as Senior Helpers is the next step in the journey. Senior Helpers offers a free in-home care evaluation that lays out a care plan and finance options to get started. This focuses on what you or your loved one needs in and outside of the home for daily living activities, travel, and personal care with comfort and safety in mind.
Before starting home care make a list of some of your favorite activities and what is most important to your independence. Think about having backup plans and who could be part of the care team. This includes family, friends, neighbors, and members of the community that could lend a hand in care. There may be home modifications that are paramount to safely aging in place. These can range from big projects to simple things such as textured floor mats for balance and night lights for vision and fall prevention. These are all things that should be included in a home assessment by professionals.
Resources:
Senior Helpers Services
Free Care Assessment
Options to Pay
Home Modifications