WHAT IS HOME CARE?

In-home care, also known as home care, • •is nonmedical care provided in the client’s home. •It includes custodial care for elderly people and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and providing medication reminders. • Home care aides also provide companionship, socialization, and cognitive stimulation for seniors. •Family caregivers oftentimes use home care services as a respite when they need to travel, work, or attend to other personal errands.  •The assistance of home care aides allows many elderly adults to remain at home when they are not ready to relocate to a residential care community.

“Caregiving is the activity or profession of regularly looking after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.” At one point in each and everyone’s life, we will have or have provided care whether for a young child, spouse, sick relative, or elderly parent.

WHAT SERVICES DO HOME CAREGIVERS PROVIDE?

Personal care assistants do not provide medical care, but otherwise, care can be tailored specifically for each individual’s needs. Available services include: •Assistance with ADLs •Assistance with mobility •Grocery shopping and meal preparation •Housekeeping and cleaning services, including laundry •Transportation to doctor’s appointments, social activities, and more •Companionship, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation •Medication management (but not administration) •Respite for family caregivers

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT IT MAY BE TIME FOR  HOME CARE? Part I

Decreased Mobility
Trouble walking and moving around can make it tough to complete routine activities of daily living, making in-home care a much-needed help.

A Decline in Hygiene and Grooming
One of the biggest indicators that your aging parent needs in-home help is a noticeable decline in hygiene and grooming. This may include infrequent bathing, overgrown facial hair, or a generally unkempt appearance.

Physical Changes
When you give your loved one a hug, you may notice that they feel thinner and frailer than before. Or, maybe you’ve spotted bruises on their body. These types of physical symptoms may be signs that your parent needs some extra help at home.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK