The first step in finding the best home care services provider for your aging loved one is determining the type of care needed. Once you know what kind of physical, medical, and social needs your elderly relative has, you can find an appropriate caregiver.
There are two types of senior in-home care: medical and non-medical. Non-medical care focuses more on daily routine activities, whereas medical provides health care at home.
Since every senior has different needs, home care agencies offer various services to provide the best care possible. Understanding the different types of home care services available is the key to finding the right caregiver.
Live-in Care
Like having a full-time nanny, live-in care for seniors involves having a caregiver who stays with you day and night. It is an excellent option for those looking to have round-the-clock care for their aging loved ones.
Live-in care includes a variety of home services, including:
● Medication management
● Meal preparation
● Transportation
● Laundry assistance
● Housekeeping
● Personal care
Hiring a live-in care professional for your senior has the added benefit of companionship. Caregivers who are available 24/7 have the unique opportunity to get to know your loved one, establishing a level of trust and camaraderie with both you and your senior.
Many people choose to have live-in care assistance for their elderly relatives because it creates familiarity. Having someone you know and trust to take care of your aging loved one is essential for your peace of mind and their safety.
Post Hospitalization
Regardless of your age, recovering after having surgery or other hospitalization services can be challenging. Seniors that come home from the hospital require more care than they did before.
Having a home care professional for post-hospitalization services eases the recovery process. They can organize and administer prescriptions, take care of housekeeping matters, and help improve mobility. Having a caregiver assist your loved one after hospitalization ensures proper recovery and can help prevent further complications.
Respite Care
As the primary caregiver for your elderly relative, you have many responsibilities. It may seem impossible to give yourself a break, but that is what respite care can provide.
Respite care providers allow you to go on vacation or take a break for a certain period by covering for you. Whether you need a few hours or are going on a month-long trip, respite home care professionals will make sure your elderly loved one is taken care of so you can stay worry-free while away.
Taking care of yourself is important when you are responsible for caring for someone else. Respite care allows you to take time for yourself or tackle other responsibilities while your aging relative is still cared for compassionately.
Hospice Care
Hospice provides specialized in-home care to those given six months or less to live. The main objective of hospice care is to provide your loved one assistance with daily activities (ADL) and relieve pain until their illness runs its course.
Families who have a relative in hospice value time with them more than ever. Hospice care provides them with more than medical assistance, such as:
● Emotional or spiritual support
● Respite care
● Meal preparation
● Monitoring vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, temperature, and blood glucose)
● Assistance with personal hygiene routines
● Medication management
● Housekeeping assistance
Hospice provides daily, well-rounded coverage to help those who can no longer rely on medication. This time is difficult enough for both you and your aging loved one. Having a hospice professional to assist with tasks gives you more quality time to spend with each other.
Personal Care and Companionship
Home care services are more than medical assistance. Caregivers are responsible for keeping elderly relatives active and engaged.
When you are responsible for your aging loved one, you may not always have the time to go on walks or organize social events for them. Personal care professionals offer companionship for your elderly relatives by participating in various activities with them, for instance:
● Going to the movies
● Walking in the park
● Organizing social outings
● Visiting local museums
● Health care visit accompaniment
● In-home activities like cards and board games
Companionship encourages your aging loved one to engage in social events and keeps them active. Doing this contributes to both their physical and psychological health.
Post Hospitalization
Post Hospitalization is ideal when you don’t have the time or resources to manage your aging loved one’s medical care. As part of the service, a caretaker will tend to the medication management and vitals monitoring to ensure that your senior is healthy.
Hiring a caretaker for post hospitalization is essential when you are either too busy or unable to provide regular medical attention. They work under the direction of the primary care physician by handling prescription orders, dosage, and refill reminders.
Having post-hospitalization care for your loved one allows you to worry less about their health, knowing that they are in the hands of a trained professional.
How Do You Know What Kind of Care They Need?
Determining what kind of care your aging loved one needs may seem complicated. Ask the following questions to help you narrow down your options:
1. What kind of medical assistance does my loved one require?
2. Is my elderly relative active enough?
3. Do I have the time to provide round-the-clock care?
4. Which daily activities is my loved one capable of doing on their own?
Once you understand the specific needs of your senior and the various services available, you can start your search for providers.
A quality senior home care agency can help walk you through your options and determine the best service. When choosing a company, be sure to find one that has reputable references and trustworthy caregivers.
Crystal Home Care understands the importance of finding quality home care services for your aging loved one. We believe that having a trustworthy caregiver provides peace of mind and is an essential part of elderly care.
Call today at (708)-535-4300 to learn more about the various services we offer.
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
