Home caregivers are also referred to as home health aides. If you are a senior or someone else that needs some extra help, home caregivers can make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Many different services fall under the topic of home health care. A caregiver’s duties likely offer more options than you might think. If you need some extra help, it’s worthwhile to check into it sooner rather than later.
What Is Home Care?
Home care is defined as any type of professional care or support that makes it possible for people to live in their homes safely.
Most often, seniors and others that need help hire home care for these reasons:
- They need help with activities of daily living (also known as ADL).
- They’re living with chronic health issues.
- They’re recovering from surgery or another medical condition.
- They have a physical or mental health disability.
You can schedule home care for a short period or for long-term. Home care can often make the difference between having to live in a nursing home and staying home.
To give you a snapshot of the scope of home care services, see these statistics:
- 70% of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care.
- Home care isn’t just for seniors 12 million people receive home care in the U.S. every year.
- Over 33,000 home care agencies provide care in the U.S.
- 1.5 million people currently work as home care workers.
- Home care is $465 billion per year industry.
What Types of Home Care Are Available?
Depending on the type of assistance you need, you can choose from a variety of services. Some of them require training and certification and others don’t. When hiring caregivers, it’s important to get their job description and learn the type of care that they’re supposed to give, as well as the type of care they’re not permitted to provide.
Caregivers often spend a lot of time with the people they’re assigned to care for. It’s essential to choose caregivers carefully. Good caregivers tend to be naturally caring and compassionate individuals.
Types of Home Care Services and What to Expect:
- Skilled nursing care-records vital signs, assists with medical equipment, feeding, medication reminders. May also help with errands, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
- Occupational therapists-help ill or injured people improve the skills they need for living and working.
- Companion care-provides company, may drive them to social activities, gives them someone to talk with to prevent loneliness.
- Personal care-helps with bathing and dressing, preparing meals, light housekeeping.
- Hospice care-provides physical care and emotional care during the final stages of life.
- Palliative care-special medical care for people living with a serious illness. Palliative caregivers strive to help them get relief from pain and be more comfortable to enjoy a better quality of life under the conditions.
Be aware that you can always scale home care services up or down depending on your needs. Home care services can make a major impact on the happiness and quality of life for seniors and others that need help. Taking the first step to explore your options will give you much-needed relief. You have nothing to lose by checking it out.
