Senior home care is an excellent resource for those looking to find care for their loved ones. If you have an elderly friend or family member, you understand the unique challenges they face every day.

As a busy adult, you might not have the time you need to watch over your aging relative. That’s why finding quality senior care at home is an ideal option. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your elderly relative or friend has constant access to healthcare and service professionals while still living independently.

Home care agencies provide essential care for your loved one, even when you can’t be there. Your parent can continue to do their favorite things at home while receiving the medical care or companionship they need.

Benefits of Home Care

Finding the right home care agency has more benefits than you may realize.

In-Home Care

If you have an elderly family member or friend, you have probably heard them tell you that they do not want to leave their house. Seniors enjoy being surrounded by the comfort of their homes. It provides a sense of familiarity and security.

Senior home care is an excellent option for those who prefer to stay in their own house rather than a nursing home. Seniors can enjoy the comforts of their own home while receiving the in-home care that they need from trained professionals.

Medication Supervision

Keeping track of medications is essential when caring for your elderly relative, yet it can also be time-consuming. Senior home care professionals provide the supervision necessary to manage medications.

Mixing pills or taking too many is a simple mistake that can lead to severe consequences. Having a professional manage your loved one’s medications ensures that they take their medicine at the proper times and with the correct dosage.

Companionship

Unfortunately, you can’t always be there for your aging loved one. Home care gives your elderly relative a companion while you are away. Not only does the caregiver handle the medical matters, but they can also go on walks, play cards, and provide your loved one with friendship.

Keeping your relative active and social has significant health benefits. It keeps them engaged, mobile and can protect against senior depression.

Transportation

Getting your loved one to and from doctor’s appointments can be challenging to fit into your busy schedule. A home care provider can take your senior to an appointment, the pharmacy, grocery store, and anywhere else that they need to go.

Types of Senior Home Care

Every senior citizen will have a different set of needs. There are two basic types of services when it comes to senior home care.

Medical Senior Home Care

• Private duty nurse: A medical professional who takes care of your senior at home under the direction of the primary care physician.
• Respite care: This is temporary care offered when the primary caregiver is unavailable or needs time off.
• Home health care: Medical professionals can administer therapy, infusion, or other services at home rather than at the hospital.
• Specialty medical care: Nurses, therapists, and other specialty-trained professionals can provide a specific service for your elderly relative or friend.

Non-Medical Senior Home Care

• Personal care: This includes bathing, dressing, transportation, and other non-medical assistance.
• Home care: Like personal care, home care helps take care of the basics such as laundry, cleaning, and other chores.
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: IADL providers help your relative handle non-essential tasks such as finances, meal preparation, shopping, and other activities that encourage independence.
• Activities of Daily Living: ADL providers assist with basic daily routines such as eating, dressing, and walking.

How To Find the Best Home Care Company

Finding the right senior home care agency is essential when organizing care for your loved one. When looking at your options, there are some key factors to consider that can help you decide.

1.    Determine What Kind of Care You Need

Does your loved one need medical assistance or help with daily activities? Make sure to evaluate the specific needs of your senior and compare them to the various types of home care available. Once you know the kind of care you need, you can start searching for an agency.

2.    Look at the Agency’s Credentials

Before choosing a specific care provider, look at the entire agency. Ask the company what kind of background checks their employees undergo, training requirements, quality assurance practices, and what type of care they provide. Asking for references is a simple way to see what others say about the agency’s services.

3.    Interview Potential Caregivers

You want to get to know the caregiver before hiring them. When deciding who to hire, make sure to interview potential candidates. This step is not a requirement for most agencies; however, evaluating the caregiver yourself allows you to find the best person to care for your loved one.

4.    Keep Yourself Updated

Paying attention to how your loved one is being cared for after hiring the home care provider is critical. Ask the agency to give you regular reports and schedule meetings with the caregiver to see how everything is going.

Importance of Finding the Right Home Care

Finding the right home care agency is not just beneficial for your loved one; it is helpful for you too.

If you are looking for home care options, you probably want to care for your elderly loved one but don’t have the time or resources necessary to do so. Senior home care is a great way to ensure that your relative is taken care of in the comfort of their own home when you can’t be there.

With a professional caring for your elderly parent, you have the time you need to tackle other tasks that require your attention. Home care agencies are here to give you peace of mind and relieve your stress and worry.

Contact Crystal Home Care today at (708)-535-4300 to learn more about what senior home care can do for you and your loved one.

We provide professional in-home care services throughout Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs including but not limited to: Chicago – Hinsdale – Winnetka – Northbrook – Wilmette – Oak Brook