Keeping aging parents at home is a challenging task. However, there are many benefits to home care that will change your mind. These ten most prominent benefits show that home care is one of the best things you can opt for to help your aging parents.
Home health care professionals can be there when you aren’t able to be
Home care can be quite tricky if you’re not able to be home all the time. However, that is where professionals step in to help. In case you are not home to help your elders, home health care can give you peace of mind. Turning to trained and qualified professionals for help is one of the best things you can do if you want to keep aging parents at home. They will be able to assess safety risks and make simple corrections in your home so that your parents are taken care of properly and safely. These professionals will be able to do anything from placing a rug on a slippery floor to recommendations for ambulatory assistance.
Home care supports activities of daily living (ADLs)
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There is another great thing about home care for elders. Namely, in-home service can allow your parents to receive everyday help with any type of personal care they need. Professionals are here to help maintain their good quality of life, while also preserving their dignity. Some of the basic assistance with daily activities usually include bathing, grooming, and medication reminders.
Access to skilled nursing care at home
Another benefit of home care is that you can get all the medical care your elders needs, delivered at home. These deliveries are done by thoroughly supervised nurses, certified, licensed, and knowledgeable about high-technology medical equipment. Home health care is great for elders because it ensures that your loved ones’ medical need is met in the comfort of their homes.
Support with diet and nutrition
You need to ask yourself whether your aging parents are getting all the nutrition they need in order to stay healthy. People that are 65 or older, especially the ones with chronic conditions and those recently discharged from a hospital or nursing facility are most likely to be nutritionally at risk. They are at high risk of losing lean body mass that is caused by aging, bed rest, illness, and injury. This is why home care can be highly beneficial. It often includes nutritional counseling and it also provides home-cooked meals that will help protect your parents from malnutrition.
Medication management
Managing multiple prescriptions can get very confusing for the elders. That is why having home health care professionals there to ensure your parents are taking the right medication is crucial. They will also make sure your parents are taking their medication at the right time to control their conditions and prevent harmful drug interactions.
Home health care professionals provide caring companionship
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Research shows that elders tend to stay a lot healthier when they have constant social interaction with other people. Sometimes, when you are not able to be there for them because of your obligations, you can turn for help to a trusting professional to take care of them. Nursing agencies come in handy here since they can help in finding a friendly and professional home health aides that will be there for your aging parents. They will most likely become your parents’ trusted friends they can go on walks with, read books or watch movies with. They will also be accompanying them on errands such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other activities.
Home care helps with light household chores
The professionals will also be taking care of daily household chores such as laundry, vacuuming, dishes, and other simple chores that might be hard for your parents to maintain on their own.
Home health care clients have comparable or better health outcomes
Research also shows a significant difference in health outcomes with elders who have specialized home health care. Also, elders with chronic conditions such as pneumonia, diabetes, or COPD even had fewer complications while receiving home care.
One-on-one focus and support
Home health care services will provide your parents with specialized, meaningful, one-on-one skilled care that builds special bonds between the clients and the professionals. This is especially important for aging individuals who, at these times, need someone who will put their needs first.
An affordable alternative to the facility or hospital care
Lastly, home health care is more affordable than a facility or hospital care. The average cost of a skilled nursing facility is about is $544 per day, while home care is $132 per one visit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many benefits of home health care for elders. These ten, are just some of the best reasons why you should consider opting for home health care instead of taking your aging parents to the nursing facility.
