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The overall purpose of in home health care is to assist an elderly person who is busy recovering from an injury or illness. This way, they have a better chance of getting better sooner, regaining their independence quicker, and becoming self-sufficient once again.
Some of the services provided by expert health care services include; caregiver and patient education on how to administer medication and render health treatment, wound care for surgical wounds or pressure sores, nutrition therapy, regular monitoring of the elderly person in need of supervision, administering injections safely when needed.
If this is the first time you have needed professional help at home, it can seem overwhelming. Often this follows a recent injury or illness and time in the hospital. Recovery takes time, but should follow a logical progression.
One of the very first things you ought to do is consult a doctor and adhere to their orders to do with sufficient medical home care for seniors. They should be able to refer you to a reputable home health service organization.
The next step involves setting up an appointment with a trusted agency so they may come to your home to discuss the immediate needs of the person in need of assistance to recover from an injury or illness.
The health care service provider will talk to the doctor about the level of care and update your physician regularly on your loved one's progress.
Health care providers need to render services regularly as per the doctor's orders.
Some of the services they will offer include:
Home health care is not reserved for individuals experiencing injury or illness and in need of help at home. It can also useful to those going through the aging process and having more difficulty with their activities of daily living.
You can find solace in home care for seniors as it can prolong the ability to live at home. Staying out of the medical system by postponing or preventing the need for a transition to residential nursing home, is a top priority. This will help keep costs down and prevent the strain of moving into unfamiliar surroundings.
Luckily, seniors who are able to remain at home and age in place find it very reassuring and encouraging to be in an environment where everything is familiar to them. The primary benefit associated with in home care is that they will be assured of comforts and safety while professional caregivers provide supportive care.
In home health care services are customized to meet seniors' specific needs. The health care providers can include Nurses, Cetified Nursing Asistants (CNA), Physical Therapists and assistants or Occupational Therapists and Assistants. They can provide education for family and caregivers so that they may continue to assist and meet patient needs, once health care services have been discharged.
Numerous companies offer health care, and some provide highly specialized services to cater to an array of unique needs of seniors.
Other benefits associated with in home health care for seniors include:
An Arizona health care worker had an interesting take on taking care of an elderly patient at their home by saying - "patients are more in their element and react naturally when at home. You see them for who they really are as you get a holistic view of them, which enables one to teach them more effectively."
Fortunately, in the majority, if not all cases, home health care workers are among the most compassionate individuals around. Though it can be challenging to enter someone's home for the first time without knowing what to expect. Once the initial meeting occurs, health care workers can focus on their patients and understand their needs.
Nurses can help monitor pain and show caregivers and patients how to take the medication and follow the correct procedures regarding treatments. Home nursing is very rewarding to both parties as the patient will enjoy customized care, and the nurse will offer one-on-one skilled services.
For home care to work out well, the health and safety of seniors must be considered.
The responsibility of taking proper care of your loved ones can't be left solely with home health care workers. Family members, and paid caregivers, would have to incorporate certain measures to ensure seniors' health and safety.
Three things to consider:
It is all too easy for senior loved ones to become disconnected from the outside world when they are cared for in home. Family members play a role in motivating their elderly parent to involve themselves in outside activities and not just remain put at home and isolate themselves.
The best way to accomplish this is to encourage them to reconnect with the outside world within a social environment. Their designated carer can join them as they venture out and enjoy uplifting conversations. Community centers are often great places for seniors to engage and interact with each other. Besides, they have years of wisdom to share with those who need it, which beats sitting at home watching TV.
How about joining one or the other voluntary program or get involved in an education program? Having a part in helping others does wonders.
Staying at home often leads to isolation, depression, unhappiness and anxiety. We all need a purpose in life to keep us going, and the joys of life don't end just because you aged. Home caregivers also play a part in encouraging senior loved ones to engage in outdoor and community activities.
More often than not, family members are too busy to spend enough quality time with their elderly parent. Encourage them to make friends who share similar interests and are more or less of the same age group.
This can be achieved by visiting clubs or mixing with other seniors. You may also start a new hobby to meet up with other individuals who practice the same hobby.
Small things such as joining like-minded seniors on walks, playing bingo, or shopping will help your elderly parent feel so much better.
At a certain age, especially when a parent has lost their life long partner, loneliness becomes a real problem. It will make a world of difference to them if they are made to feel they belong, which is possible by becoming part of social groups or clubs.
Children of elderly parents need to do their part by providing elderly care in home and being supportive whenever time allows doing so. This should include psychological, social, and emotional as well as physical needs.
Keep in mind that with aging, your vision, touch, hearing, and other senses do not function as well as they used to. Children need to be sensitive about their elderly loved one's troubles especially related to memory and physical ailments.
Seniors find these limitations very frustrating and often without the hope of improvement. Being aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by your loved one will help them appreciate your compassion and be more willing to ask for and accept assistance.
We are all so busy with our own lives and problems that is can be easy to forget about the elderly. Encouraging your siblings, children and all other family members to visit or call can greatly improve the mood of an aging loved one. This can reduce the feeling of isolation and improves overall quality of life.
Do not forget that seniors go through a lot and have to come to grips because their years are numbered. They might be ailing and would really appreciate all the support they can get. A few simple words of encouragement from their family members can lift their spirits and encourage them to make the most of their current situation.
Not only will it boost their self-esteem, but they will be happier and more content with the fact that they have as much care and support possible to make it easier for them to feel more productive and good about themselves.
Enough love, care, and attention from their loved ones will ensure the elderly who are being cared for in their own homes forget about their deepest worries and problems and encourage them to do their best to live their remaining years in happiness.
So, we encourage you to reach out to seniors and love them unconditionally as they, in turn, have done so for you and the rest of the family all these years. Now, it is your turn to ensure they receive professional in home health care when needed and should be assured of your love and care no matter what happens.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>