Transitioning into receiving home care can be a difficult decision for you or your elderly loved one. Whether there’s been a medical occurrence that has abruptly changed their ability to perform normal daily life activities, or it’s been a slower regression of their ability to function independently, many elderly people have trouble letting go of what could be the last of their autonomy. However, sometimes a form of home care is a better option. Here are a few tips for how to decide if it’s right for you or to help your loved ones decide to receive home care.
Socialization
One of the number one causes of depression in elderly people is loneliness. Getting a non-medical home care aid is one way for an elderly person who might not get a lot of socialization to make at least one new friend and have some companionship in their day. It just so happens that the person’s “job” is to be like an assistant, but most people who wind up working as home care aids genuinely care about the wellbeing of people and will enjoy cultivating that friendship. They may also be able to help the elderly person get out in their community more by accompanying them on shopping trips or to community events.
Delegating Household Responsibilities
Even if you or your elderly loved one live alone, maintaining a household can still be a big job. Employing a home care service can help absorb the workload of light household tasks such as light cleaning, cooking, laundry, and dishwashing for those who just need some light assistance with keeping up with those tasks. While some might see it as a loss of independence, it can actually help someone regain independence in other ways. For example, the aid can simply assist the resident in doing a task instead of doing everything for them, and the best aids will know how to promote the independence of the person they are helping. Delegating some housework can also help a person have a little more time freedom in their day to do things they enjoy.
Consider the Alternatives
For those with no major ongoing medical issues who simply need a little help with everyday life activities, choosing a home care option could be the difference between staying in their home as long as possible or having to opt for an alternative such as an assisted living facility. Most people are very attached to their homes and are not going to want to uproot themselves so readily. Hiring a home care aide can make it so they don’t have to.
Conclusion
While choosing to hire a home care service is not always easy, sometimes it’s the right choice for you or your loved ones. It’s ultimately meant to help the elderly stay in their homes longer and feel supported in their independence, not the opposite. Using the right home care service can bring everyone more peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is cared for and has the level of assistance they need to achieve a better quality of life.
