Promoting Independence in the Elderly: How Can In-home Care Services Help

Many seniors chose to maintain their independence by staying in their own homes. But not everyone can do this on their own. As daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and making the bed, become difficult, older adults need a helping hand. 

Such challenges don’t necessarily mean your loved one needs to move into an assisted nursing facility. They can continue to live independently with the right help. Let’s break it down.

Benefits of Independent Living for Older Adults

According to a survey in 2021, more than 75% of older adults over age 50 prefer to live on their own. Here are some benefits:

  • Greater sense of familiarity
  • Peace of mind
  • Greater chances of recovery
  • Maintaining social connections with friends, neighbors, and family members
  • Increased confidence 

Aging in place is about having control over your care while following medical guidelines. 

How Can In-home Care Services Help

Here’s how in-home caregiving services can promote independence:

Personalized Assistance

In-home care providers understand that every individual has unique needs and preferences. They will analyze your loved one’s needs and allow them to share any concerns. Moreover, a care provider will work closely with you and your loved one to create a care plan. 

They can assist with the following tasks:

  • Bathing
  • Getting dressed
  • Changing bed linens
  • Personal hygiene
  • Meal preparation 
  • Medical reminders
  • Observing and reporting any changes in the behavior

With caregiver services, your loved one will continue doing the things they love in their own space, be it gardening, cooking, or painting. 

Maintaining Familiar Surroundings

One of the biggest challenges of living at a nursing facility is letting go of your familiar surroundings. Your loved one might feel isolated and confused. Remember that mental well-being and emotional peace are critical for healthy aging. 

Familiar surroundings create a sense of stability and control. This is especially important for someone showing early signs of memory loss. If your loved one wakes up confused in an unfamiliar setting, there is a high chance of them suffering from extreme emotional distress.

In-home care services will allow your loved one to stay healthy without the added stress of living in an unfamiliar setting.  

Maintaining Social Connections

Healthy social connections can help your loved one stay active and maintain cognitive abilities. In-home care providers are not only trained to provide personal or medical support but also engage in conversations and share activities. 

You can discuss the importance of social connections for your loved one with the care provider in advance. This will help them incorporate social activities, such as going for outings or walks, into their routine. This can promote a sense of belonging in your loved one. 

Transportation Services

Many senior adults wish to go on shopping trips and community events but lack the resources or the ability to do so. This is where in-home care services come in!

In-home caregivers can drive your loved one to medical appointments, malls, and other places as per their requests. They can also provide wheelchair-accessible transport to avoid any issues. 

 

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