In-Home Care: Helping Seniors Stay at Home Longer

When many seniors are asked, they’ll tell you flat out that they’d rather live in their own homes as opposed to a nursing-home.  While it’s true that many seniors that end up in nursing-homes don’t get there through medical conditions alone, these things can worsen in those situations.  Also, the mental-toll is often hard to take.  Seniors that were once jovial and outgoing can become depressed and despondent within just months or weeks of being there. 

There are many options for seniors that are still healthy enough to live at home independently, but who still have a few problems or issues.  Oftentimes these things are nothing more than age-related issues, such as episodes of memory loss or difficulty doing household chores.  It is for this reason that so many in-home care agencies operate today. 

In-home care gives seniors the freedom they’re used to while also ensuring that their needs are met.  Seniors in their own familiar surroundings are often happier, and they still have a large say in decisions that are made concerning them.  Just the ability to say when you get up in the morning or what you eat for lunch are things often taken for granted by seniors living on their own, but which can quickly become set routines in a nursing-home environment. 

And cost is always a factor when it comes to senior care.  Nursing-homes are expensive and can often exceed the resources that many seniors have spent years putting away.  In-home care is a much more affordable option that can be manageable for even the most cash-strapped households.

It’s Convenient

In-home care is much more convenient for seniors and their families.  No one wants to spend Thanksgiving in a nursing-home, or figure out where it’s at, but many still have fond memories of the holidays at Grandma’s and are happy to visit.  Seniors with mobility issues won’t have to leave their homes so often, as there will be others helping out with groceries and medications. 

It’s Personal

Having an in-home care service in your home is much more personal than anything a nursing-home could offer.  Dozens of seniors will be shuffled between a limited staff in a nursing-home environment, but with in-home care each senior will have a unique and specialized attendant.  There are certified aids in everything from grooming to dressing to catheters.  These professionals will be attentive and caring, even in the most trying of situations.

It’s Healthy

Qualified nurses and other health-care professionals will visit seniors directly in their homes to conduct tests and check-ups, as well as monitor how medications are faring.  Many of the tasks that elder seniors require, such as handling oxygen tanks, IV drips, taking blood, or working with catheters can all be accomplished through in-home care.

It’s Sanitary

Seniors have a great deal of pride in their homes, and they like to keep them clean.  As many family and friends know, however, this isn’t always possible.  Household chores are often one of the first things to go by the wayside when a senior reaches the point where they need assistance, and in-home care can handle these needs.  Whether its washing the dishes, doing the laundry, or just keeping the home in a clean and safe condition, in-home care attendants are ready to help out.