What is Non-Medical Home Care?
The majority of seniors want to remain in their own homes as they age. According to the AARP, nearly 90% of people over age 65 want to live at home for as long as possible. The organization’s “50 and Over, What’s Next?” report shows that of people expected to retire in the next 12 months, only 14 percent are likely to sell their house. As the population ages – in just 12 years more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be aged 65+ – the need for at-home non-medical services is going to rise.
Both medical and non-medical home care services are required to keep seniors safe and support them as they age in place. Medical services such as visiting nurses can care for clinical needs like wound care, blood pressure checks and medication adherence. Non-medical services can help seniors successfully complete activities of daily living that allows them to remain in their own home. It can include everything from personal grooming and bathing to preparing meals and taking care of the house.
How non-medical home care keeps your loved one safe at home
Non-medical care can be customized to meet the specific needs of your loved one. Depending upon their mobility, disabilities, age and cognition, each individual will need different levels of care and assistance with different tasks. Professional caregivers can provide the support your loved one needs so that he or she can remain at home.
Housekeeping
A clean, orderly house contributes to good health. At-home caregivers provide light housekeeping services including preparing meals, washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming and dusting, doing the laundry and caring for pets and plants.
Bathing and grooming
This intimate area of care can be embarrassing to seniors. Some seniors may need supervision to ensure they do not fall while others need full assistance with these tasks. Trained caregivers know how to help a senior bathe and groom while protecting their dignity.
Recovery care
One of the determining factors for discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation center is whether or not there is support at home. Recovery care provides that support and helps seniors with important tasks at home. Seniors can be frail and vulnerable in the days immediately after surgery.and non-medical caregivers can help them follow discharge instructions for a better and faster recovery. Trained at home caregivers can help your loved one:
- Learn and adhere to a new medication regimen
- Follow rehab exercises
- Prepare meals
- Get to and from follow-up medical appointments
Companionship services
Seniors can easily become isolated, lonely and depressed. Companionship services bring friends into the home of your loved one to spend time with them. Companions do what your loved one enjoys doing whether it is playing games, going shopping, or simply sitting and talking.
Numerous scientific and clinical studies have shown that socialization improves brain health and can help to avoid physical ailments like depression and high blood pressure. A lack of socialization has been directly linked to cognitive decline and an increased incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in seniors. The friendship provided by companions can help to avoid these problems.
Bed, Toilet & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance
Mobility can directly impact a senior’s quality of life. For those who struggle to move from one place to another, non-medical caregivers can help. They are trained to safely transfer your loved one to and from a bed, wheelchair, toilet and/or chairs. Trained caregivers know how to do this while ensuring the senior avoids embarrassment.
Reliable Memory Care Services for Seniors
If your loved one is in the early stages of cognitive decline, non-medical caregivers can help them to remain in their homes longer. Those who are experienced in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can spend time with the senior, providing activities that are mentally stimulating, and making sure they are safe during the day.
A senior should not have to move out of his or her home simply because extra support with activities of daily living is required. Non-medical home support can provide many different resources so that your loved one can remain at home where they are happy and comfortable.
If you think an in-home caregiver might benefit your family, contact Family Matters In-Home Care for a free consultation. Our caregivers are thoughtfully selected to ensure that their skills and personalities will be the best possible fit for your loved one. We have seen many of our caregivers develop meaningful relationships with clients, and we strongly believe that these friendships have a positive effect on their overall health and well-being.
