The Benefits of Senior Home Care For Your Aging Loved One

A majority of adults older than 65, around 93.5%, live in the community. Many older adults may need senior home care but are not receiving it.

Unfortunately, adequate home care is becoming a scarce commodity. Staffing shortages, especially in the wake of the pandemic, threaten the wellbeing of elderly adults at home. For this reason, it’s wise to start looking for home care assistance long before it’s needed.

To learn more about the benefits senior home care provides, explore the information below.

It’s Cost-Effective

Elderly at-home care is much more affordable than institutionalizing a loved one full-time. Families can structure elderly care services to target the hours when their loved one needs help most.

As long as the home care amounts to 40 hours or less, it’s less expensive than an assisted living facility or nursing home.

It Provides Familiar Surroundings

The best part of elderly at-home care is that loved ones can age in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. For many seniors, the loss of their home means a loss of independence. It’s also very stressful for them to adjust to a completely new life and new surroundings.

The ability of a loved one to remain at home will protect their sense of independence, which is much better for their mental and emotional wellbeing.

It Promotes Individualized Care

Home health care is more individualized than institutional care because caregivers are only focused on one patient at a time. Families can meet with home care agencies to discuss their needs and customize their care plan. They may even provide extra services like physical therapy.

An at-home caregiver should also be much more observant of changes to a loved one’s behavior, eating habits, and health condition. They can help catch any red flags and address them more quickly.

Companionship Is Built-in

Loneliness is one of the biggest threats to the mental health of older adults. At institutions like nursing homes, caregivers fly in and out of the room as they attend to dozens of other patients. They also change every shift, which may be difficult for older adults with memory problems.

When seniors have a reliable at-home caregiver to rely on, they can build a strong bond with them. Carers can accompany their patients when shopping, completing tasks, or even on a walk. They provide the meaningful conversation, connection, and companionship that older adults need.

Family Caregivers Can Relax

Although more than one-fifth of Americans are full-time caregivers for their loved ones, many struggle to juggle this responsibility in addition to working, managing their home, and caring for their other family members. With senior home care, families can relax and rest assured that their elderly loved ones are okay. With less stress and responsibility, they can better appreciate the time they have left with their aging loved ones.

Finding Adequate Senior Home Care

Senior home care is a more affordable and less stressful way to provide assistance for older adults. For families that work full-time, at-home care is the best resource to make sure their loved one is safe and healthy. These carers can even provide socialization so families know their loved one isn’t suffering alone.

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