How A Home Care Provider Can Support Elderly People Living Independently
When the time comes, and an elderly friend or relative requires some additional support, they will often prefer to receive this support in their own home, in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Maintaining their independence is really important to many elderly people and they will want to continue doing as much as possible for themselves, only moving into a care home as a last resort.
Thankfully, with an effective care plan and the right support from a home care provider, lots of elderly people can live independently in their own homes for many years. There are a number of different ways that home care providers can offer support to people who are struggling to live independently, such as;
Assist with day-to-day tasks
Often, as people get older, they find it harder to complete day-to-day tasks. It is really common for elderly people to require assistance with things such as; general housework, grocery shopping and food preparation. These tasks may seem quite basic, but when people are less confident on their feet or not as strong as they once were, they can struggle with these everyday tasks. Domiciliary care/domestic care is a service that most home care providers offer to help people live safely in their own homes.
Help clients look after themselves
In addition to needing a little assistance with taking care of their home, some elderly people may also need a little help to take care of themselves. Home care providers also offer personal care, and this can help elderly people maintain their health. Not only does this home care service cover things like washing and dressing, but it also involves administering medication and applying creams. Home care providers can help elderly people look after their physical health and prevent them from having to spend time in hospital.
Support hobbies and interests
It’s not just physical health that home care providers can assist elderly people with though, many offer companionship care services too, which are crucial for mental health. As people get older, their social lives can change, many lose touch with friends as they give up their hobbies and this can result in them being quite lonely. Home care providers can help elderly people participate in hobbies, visit friends and enjoy the other things they love, having a significant impact on the happiness and wellbeing of anyone who lives independently.
Aid family caregivers
Not only do home care providers offer assistance, but they can also provide family caregivers with a well-earned rest. When relatives, friends or neighbours care for an elderly loved one, they will likely require some professional support from time to time. This support can be provided by home care providers who will step in whilst caregivers take a break. This type of service is called respite care and it’s really flexible, so it can help any elderly person who is currently being cared for by a loved one, either part-time or full-time.
Provide 24/7 support
Should an elderly person require a lot of support and it’s likely they would benefit from all of the different home care services mentioned above, live-in care is also available. Home care providers can arrange for a carer to live with an elderly person and provide them with the around the clock support they need. This is a brilliant alternative to a residential care home and it allows people who require a considerable amount of care to still stay in their own homes.
Finding a suitable home care provider
All in all, there is no denying that a care provider can have a huge impact on the day-to-day life of anyone who is struggling to live independently in their own home. There are so many different home care services available to enable a friend or loved one to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of their own home with the right care and support.
If you’re currently trying to find a home care provider to assist your loved one, be sure to contact us here at Care Captains. Our care brokerage service can help you ensure that you’re selecting the right provider. We understand that choosing a home care provider isn’t always straightforward and with many years of experience behind us, we can make the process of arranging home care services much easier. We will explore all avenues for you, from national providers to smaller local services, finding the best way forward and we will ensure your friend or elderly relative gets the high-quality care and support that they deserve.