It’s true that aging adults prefer to remain in their own homes. They may just need a little help around the home to retain their independence, or maybe they have a medical condition that requires a visiting nurse to monitor their status. An elder returning from the hospital or recovering from an accident or surgery might require occupational or physical therapy.
There are more than 70 million baby boomers who are retiring and soon to retire. These staggering numbers, coupled with today’s extended life spans, means there will be need for a lot of caregivers. The value of caregivers who help elders cannot be measured. Independence and the ability to remain at home are two of the most important things to the aging senior adult.
When compared to living in a facility, home care offers a greater level of independence to the senior adult. The caregiver is there to help and give assistance when needed, or to encourage the adult to do as much as possible. Sometimes all that’s needed is a little assistance. The caregiver can give as much or as little as the senior adult desires. Being able to stay at home, as opposed to institutionalized care, is a level of independence all its own.
Home care has become the most popular choice of care for the senior adult. The high cost of assisted living and other long-term institutional care options, combined with the long waiting lists to get in, has encouraged more families to research home care solutions. In surveys, most seniors expressed their desire to age at home. For them, home care is a perfect fit.
There is also the factor that home care comes in all levels, from daytime-only to around-the- clock care, from part-time to full-time, from home care to health care. The flexibility of care type makes it a very appealing choice.
November is National Home Care Month. It’s a time to honor all who assist our elders stay in their own homes. Often it is a network of people, including family, friends, neighbors, clergy and lots of other caring individuals. Their kindness and helpfulness contribute toward the mental and social and physical well-being of the elderly senior living at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services, please contact Aging True Home Health at 904.807.1245.