What are Homemaker Services & How Do They Benefit Seniors?
For the children of senior parents, the question of continued care can be stressful.
Each parent’s case is different, but deciding what’s best for another person is always a challenge. If your parent is getting on in years but doesn’t seem to be slowing down mentally, aging-in-place might be a good option. Your parent can retain their independence while benefitting from assisted care.
Hiring an in-home caregiver can also be the best route for seniors with pre-existing health conditions that require monitoring. If your parent simply needs extra help dealing with the pace of life, however, homemaker services could be the perfect solution.
So exactly what are homemaker services, and how do you know whether they’re right for the senior in your life? Here’s some information that just might open your eyes to the many benefits of in-home care.
What are Homemaker Services?
While nurses primarily assist with health monitoring and health-related assistance, the job of a homemaker is a little different. Think of it like having an assistant: all the tasks that a senior isn’t able to take on anymore will now be the work of the homemaker. Some seniors might still be able to do a lot of the housework, while others might find that once-easy tasks like laundry, dog-walking, gardening, and grocery shopping have become too time-consuming, tiring or stressful to take on. If a senior is expressing that they’re overwhelmed by the amount of work there is to do around the house, consider hiring a homemaker to take on one or more of the following responsibilities:
If seniors are showing more serious medical problems or a loss of memory, a medical helper might be a better option. However, for seniors who need extra help around the house and a bit of companionship, a homemaker is a fine option.
What are the Benefits of Homemaker Services?
For seniors who only need a small amount of care or need a bit more help adjusting to new independence after the loss of a partner, there are endless benefits of homemaker services.
In addition to helping with housework, homemakers can help lighten the burden of loneliness for some seniors by acting as a companion as well as a helper. Rather than the formal, clinical relationship between nurse and patient, seniors are able to enjoy a more intimate relationship with the person helping out. Seniors who are recently bereaved find this especially helpful, as well as seniors who have recently stopped driving and are in need of community.
What are the Duties of a Homemaker?
Whether homemakers are part-time or take on a more permanent role around the house, some basic duties are likely to be required across the board, such as light cleaning and some transportation. Depending on a senior’s level of need, homemakers will be called upon to help with basic chores, communication, cooking, and pet care. Some other duties include:
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia care
- Scheduling and Keeping Doctor’s Appointments
- Bed and/or wheelchair transfers
- Bathing and Dressing
- Helping with Diet and Exercise
Homemakers are there to address the needs of seniors at all levels of maturity. Many seniors find that having homemakers present can help with mental health struggles as well, providing companionship and warmth that might not be easily found outside the home.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
If there’s a senior in your life who’s in need of some extra care, it might be time to look into homemaker services and what they can offer.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
