Every generation has the responsibility to care for their elderly parents. Over the last 50 years the way that is being accomplished has changed. As life expectancy figures climb more children move far away from their parents homes, families are finding this responsibility challenging.
How do you care for loved ones who are still able to get around but need help with certain activities? Some elderly people need help with shopping, medication, meals, doctor appointments and other various tasks. Many are not ready for a full-time nursing home but still have trouble safely living at home.
It isn't easy to find the appropriate level of care for those who have a moderate to low-level of activity but who are more likely to be injured while cooking or bathing. Those who don't drive anymore but still like to shop and visit friends, feel more comfortable with assistance during their outings.
There are agencies that are focusing on these specific needs and are doing really wonderful things for their clients. By grouping them together and assigning a certified caregiver or registered nurse to assess and organize all their needs and schedules at one time, they can cut costs for the client and still provide the help they need to live safely and independently at home.
Statistics say that slip and fall accidents as well as mistakes with medications are reduced when elderly patients have regular home health visits. What a great feeling for family members to know that their loved ones are being cared for by trained professionals.
Typically a home health agency will provide one aide or nurse per patient. This is not cost-effective and does not provide opportunities for socialization.. Sharing caregivers is one way to make sure each patient receives affordable, consistent, quality care. What a great idea to have two or more patients who live close to each other, share an aide and the cost. This is a unique and positive way for those who are often alone, to meet make new friends.
When a professional caregiver visits the home they look for potential hazards and safety issues that could harm those with trouble seeing, hearing, or walking. They make sure healthy meals are available and prepared at the proper times. If there are special diet needs which is often the case, they see to it that those are abided by.
The benefits of allowing an elderly or physically challenged person to live independently at home instead of in some kind of hospital environment have been researched and documented. They feel happier, healthier, and less anxious. They have fewer accidents in the home and generally live longer, better quality lives.
When the time comes to care for elderly parents, it's worth the extra effort it may take to find the appropriate agency that has caring, highly trained staff and nurses who are able to handle all that is required when your loved one says, "I don't want to go to a nursing home".
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