Benefits of Caregivers for Seniors at Home

at home companions

Benefits of Caregivers for Seniors at Home

The seniors of our society need at home companionship just as much, if not more than they need health care. As the baby boomer generation gets older and begins to age, it’s important to consider what changes will occur in their lives. They will be less active and have a greater risk for depression. It’s also possible that the elderly will become isolated because of social isolation. While it’s very important for all seniors to have personal care that is consistent and ongoing, there are numerous in home care options that can assist with this goal.

There are many ways to provide in home care for seniors. Each individual situation is unique and requires additional services that only an in home caregiver or agency can provide. It’s critical to have an initial consultation to discuss what services your loved one will need at home. Some individuals may require extra help such as: elder care, adult day care, errands assistance, transportation assistance, housekeeping assistance, cooking/feeding assistance, medication reminders, grooming assistance, and therapeutic services. Many seniors prefer to receive their medication reminders and grooming assistance via the internet.

When in-home care is requested, you want to make sure your loved one receives a warm and welcoming welcome from their new caregivers. Most agencies offer housekeeping and laundry services that are complimentary to seniors. This can be a major plus in assisting in maintaining the independence of seniors who are becoming isolated as they age. Clients should have no restrictions on their care and should have an open and trusting environment in which to receive their services. Clients should expect to be treated with respect and dignity.

Caregivers often provide guidance in the form of counseling sessions. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend these sessions in order to discuss their feelings and desires. Planning meetings with the caregiver prior to the care provider arriving in-home will help the client to prepare for his or her arrival. Visitation allows the client to meet and greet the caregiver and get a feel for how the caregiver interacts with the patient. Family members and friends can also provide encouragement to the senior in-home by encouraging him or her to call them if he or she needs help with everyday tasks such as taking a shower, changing clothes, or brushing teeth.

Caregivers often come in pairs, one caregiver and one adult companion. Adult companions should be knowledgeable about the senior in-home and about the home’s atmosphere. This ensures that the senior does not become too confused about which companion will be keeping him or her company while the other is watching television. In some cases, the home may have more than one companion. A word of caution: It can become very difficult for the elderly to maintain independence if there are multiple individuals in the home caring for them.

It is important for seniors to remember that they are loved despite their increasing age. This means that they need to be able to maintain a sense of self-worth and self-image. Many seniors decide to remain independent in the early years of their lives, but later in life, they realize that it is in their best interest to become companions for someone else. Whether this is with a hired companion or an elderly relative, it is important for seniors to make the decision based on what is in their best interest.

One way to find out whether you should hire a personal care coordinator (or someone else) for at home services is to interview your care coordinator. This person will have a large impact on whether the senior in-home feels as though they are receiving extra attention and wants to be around people. If you do decide to hire a caregiver, your care coordinator will be responsible for everything from scheduling doctors visits to buying medications. Your coordinator may even decide when senior in-home should receive extra help in the form of companionship.

In order for you to schedule a complimentary consultation with a care coordinator, you will need to know the following information: first, the names of at home caregivers who live near your home. Second, you will need to provide your home address and contact information. Third, you will need to provide your social security number. You should also inquire about any available discounts. Although many senior communities offer free or reduced costs for these services, you should also inquire about any additional programs or incentives. Contact us to learn more about senior community services, including complimentary consultations.