What Does In-Home Care for Seniors Look Like?
In-home care services for seniors offer an ideal solution for older adults who prefer to age in place rather than moving into a long-term care facility, but who may need a little extra help as they grow older. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, around 80% of seniors who receive assistance live in private homes rather than care communities or nursing homes. For these individuals, in-home care is often crucial to allowing them to maintain their independence while also ensuring that their needs are met.
Types of Senior Home Care
Senior home care looks different for everyone depending on each individual's needs and circumstances. Some caregivers stay with their clients all day every day, whereas others drop in less frequently or for shorter intervals. Having a general idea of the different types of in-home care can be helpful in determining whether it's the right choice for you or your loved one. Here, we've outlined a few of the most common types of in-home care services:
Personal care. Personal care includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene tasks, and more.
Home health care. Any medical or healthcare-related service that is performed in a person's home falls into this category. This includes nursing services, occupational therapy, or help with medications. Often, these types of services are provided by a nurse, therapist, or other trained healthcare provider.
Housekeeping care. Some older adults are able to take care of their own basic needs, but need assistance with basic household chores. For people in this position, housekeeping care in the form of cleaning, shopping, cooking, laundry, or other home maintenance tasks can make a big difference in their quality of life. .
Transportation. Access to transportation is an important part of maintaining an independent lifestyle for seniors. For older adults who are no longer able to drive and who can't use public transportation, transportation services ensure that they are able to get to and from doctors' appointments, go grocery shopping, and run any other errands they need.
A good in-home care provider will work with you to address all of your or your loved one's needs. PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.