While some things in life can be avoided, aging is one element of our lives that we have very little control over. Exercising and healthy eating have proven to add years of life, but getting older will still adversely treat some better than others. When choosing the right place for a loved one to receive the care they need at this stage of life, it can be overwhelming researching through all of the available options.
Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, COPD, and similar illnesses are becoming more prominent in the elderly and illustrate why there is a larger demand for care services such as assisted living and in-home health care. Each health care service outlet provides each patient with individual and custom assistance in making their daily activities less stressful while providing peace of mind to loved ones.
One of the least stressful and comforting methods of providing assistance to seniors is through companion care. Companion care is similar to in-home health care, but provides a more personable experience and includes many more services than most in-home health care providers.
Understanding In-Home Health Care and Companion Care
In-Home Health Care
A temporary, in-home service maintaining or restoring health following either some sort of incident or diagnosed condition.
With in-home health care services, a licensed nurse or professional comes to visit a patient at their home periodically to check on medical status. They may provide assistance with things such as vital sign monitoring, wound care, therapy and assuring that the patient is progressing with recovery. This type of care is common for newly diagnosed illnesses, i.e.: diabetes and heart disease or a recent discharge from a hospital or rehab stay. It is also common from injuries following an accident that may include but is not limited to a broken hip or broken leg. After an extended period of time, the insurance-covered service comes to an end and the patient continues their day-to-day activities themselves.
Companion Care
A caregiver who is trained and matched to the client to provide daily or weekly care by running errands, paying bills, or housekeeping.
With companion care, a trained professional is matched with a client and is available to assist in many common day-to-day activities that are more difficult to accomplish with conditions that have an effect on mobility or memory. Companion care can include running errands like grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, dry cleaning, etc., scheduling appointments, medication reminders, meal preparations, and taking out the trash. Companion care provides a method for seniors to still live on their own, or with their loved ones, while still being able to participate in a daily or weekly routine. Individuals stay in the comfort of their own home and rely on a companion to assist in small tasks.
According to National Health Statistics Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2011, over two-thirds (68.7%) of home health care patients are aged 65 or older. In addition, 68.5% of health care patients live with family or non-family members.
Looking out for the health, safety and happiness of the elderly is a growing necessity. Middle-aged Americans are starting to learn that their parents will be needing assistance in their foreseeable future and are looking to provide the highest quality of services to them. With companion care services from companies like Home Helpers, your loved ones will receive the assistance they need, when they need it, within the comfort of their own home.
