What Services Does Home Care Provide?
Home care, also called in-home care, refers to non-medical care aimed at helping older adults and people with disabilities stay safe and comfortable living at home. Home care is primarily used for individuals who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing and meal preparation. In-home caregivers also serve as companions for seniors who live alone and risk experiencing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Caregivers who have been trained in understanding the nuances of senior care provide home care services. While some caregivers may have a background that includes working in healthcare such as a CNA, it’s not a requirement for caregiver certification. However, many home care agencies provide ongoing training to ensure caregivers stay up-to-date on senior care protocol.
Home care services include:
- Personal Care – In-home caregivers are trained to provide compassionate aid with personal care and hygiene tasks. Whether an elderly client requires minimal support getting ready for the day or full hands-on assistance with bathing, grooming and using the restroom, a caregiver is there to help keep them looking and feeling their best.
- Light housekeeping – For older adults, routine cleaning tasks can be challenging—sometimes even dangerous. An in-home caregiver can take care of light household chores allowing clients to stay safe and comfortable in their own home. Light housekeeping generally includes things like preparing meals, wiping down kitchen surfaces, washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, emptying trash, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, caring for pets, and watering plants.
- Recovery care – In-home caregivers are trained to help clients follow a detailed post-op routine including timely medication reminders and can also assist with rehabilitation exercises helping them regain strength and mobility. A caregiver is also there to assist with daily tasks such as meal preparation and light household chores allowing their client to rest and recover comfortably at home.
- Alzheimer’s & dementia care – In-home care allows seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia to receive the support they need while staying in a familiar place. An agency can match a client with a caregiver who is experienced in providing proper care for impaired cognition, helping them enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Caregivers provide companionship, activities that are mentally stimulating, and will cook nutrition meals and do light housekeeping.
- Companionship – Seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness, which causes their health to decline. Companionship is a key part of senior care, not just because companions provide assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping and personal care, but also because they provide a familiar face, friendly conversation, and a meaningful human connection that greatly improves quality of life. Read more about the health benefits of companionship for seniors.
- Transportation – Typically as part of an overall care plan, an in-home caregiver is able to provide safe and reliable transportation, enabling their client to run errands, go to appointments, visit friends and family, and enjoy their regular social activities. In most cases, the caregiver also accompanies the client while providing any necessary assistance at their destination. A reputable home care agency should verify that caregivers are licensed and insured, and screens them through a DMV report to verify a safe driving record.
If you loved one needs help to stay living in the comfort of home you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring help from a home care agency can allow you to take a break, and give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being well cared for. Contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation to see how we can help support your family. We can help evaluate your loved one’s needs and are able to provide assistance from a few hours a day to full-time, 24/7 care.
