There’s no place like home – people prefer to stay in their current homes or communities for the long term. Some believe that home renovations would be necessary in order to suit their changing physical and health needs as they age. However, many are still motivated to make these adjustments, despite the costs involved. This is due to their deep value for the comfort of remaining in their familiar environment, including vendors, neighbors, and their personal property. It’s not difficult to understand why most people feel comfortable aging in their current homes. Moving to an assisted living facility can be difficult. New friends and routines can be challenging, as can the prospect of giving up belongings accumulated over several decades.
Who needs in-home long-term care?
Long-term care includes fulfilling both medical and non-medical needs of diseased or physically disabled persons who cannot afford to care for themselves for long periods. Long-term care focuses on coordinated and individualized services to raise the standard of living, promote and meet patient’s needs for assisted living.
Why is in-home long-term healthcare needed?
Long-term care is the most common need of people of any age, particularly senior citizens, for independent living. It includes assistance in daily life activities or tasks such as feeding, dressing, using the bathroom, etc. It has skilled practitioners who know how to address the patients’ multiple chronic conditions. It can be short-term or long-term, depending on the patient’s need to ensure the assisted living for older adults.
Here we offer a comprehensive outline of how hired caregivers can be of assistance, as well as the benefits patients enjoy while living at home:
- Increased Independence – Older adults who remain in their homes enjoy much more freedom and independence than those who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Seniors who age in place are able to live life on their own terms, with more privacy, even when under the professional care of a hired aide. When aging in place, older adults are able to exert a greater level of control over their personal lives, choosing their routines, making decisions, and maintaining a sense of stability in the house they invested in and transformed into a home. This can lead to higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction– all critical factors that contribute to better physical function, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life.
- Connection to Family and Friends – Keeping the same social network as they age allows seniors to continue to stay connected to their friends and family. Not only do older adults have the opportunity to remain near their friends, but they can also host social events in their homes if they wish. Caregivers can also be helpful in allowing the senior to prepare for hosting in advance by having a conversation about the upcoming visit, or preparing snacks, drinks, or gifts to have on hand. Often, communities offer vibrant and active senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and other senior groups that provide opportunities for adults to expand their social circle by participating in various events and activities.
- Companionship – In-home caregivers are eager to provide stimulating activities and conversation, as well as accompany seniors to appointments or on errands. Having a specially trained companion who is committed to caring for your loved one while respecting your family’s values and dynamics affords the patient and their family safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
- Holistic Care – An older adult living independently often requires assistance and supervision for personal and health-related matters. With a highly qualified caregiver, grooming, toileting, and other personal care needs are attended to with utmost sensitivity to your loved one’s dignity. Caregivers can also be helpful in overseeing dietary considerations at mealtime, encouraging daily exercises, or giving reminders to take medications.
- Affordability – Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are enormously expensive. In addition, it’s important to consider the fact that by the time it comes to making a decision about long-term living arrangements, many seniors have almost paid off their home mortgages or already paid them off completely. Therefore, in addition to the comfort and familiarity that staying at home offers, it also becomes even more attractive from a financial planning standpoint.
Feel free to explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship on our website. Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. We’re here for you and happy to assist your family.
