The vast majority of seniors, almost nine out of ten, prefer to stay in their home and age in place. This can place a burden on family members. In-home care from professionals can help make this desire a reality.
Most in-home care companies offer a broad array of services to improve the lives of seniors and lessen the stress of family caregivers. These services are diverse and can include companionship, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, transportation, and help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing and walking.
Non-medical homecare is flexible, evolving as care needs change. Caregiver services are available hourly, overnight or live-in. In-home care is well suited for family respite and ongoing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS or spinal cord injuries. Caregivers can also provide additional care for someone in assisted living and can be used in conjunction with hospice care.
When choosing a home care company, consider the following:
• Do they seek, hire and retain qualified, trustworthy caregivers?
• Do they provide ongoing caregiver training? Can they offer references?
• What is included in their rate, and will it increase as care evolves?
• What ongoing communications are in place between client, family,
caregiver, and company to ensure the best experience?
• How responsive are they to your needs?
• Are they willing to take challenging, short-term or fast-response cases?
Non-medical home care offers a much needed chance for family members to rest, prevent burnout and retake control of their lives while giving them the energy to be emotionally present when needed most. Adult children, especially those living far away, can take comfort knowing that their parents are being cared for by trained professionals. The added benefit of familiar surroundings with constant routines can also assist in a patient’s wellbeing.
Frank Coker is the owner of Senior Helpers in the Triangle, providing both companion and personal home care for seniors. He is an active member of the AHHC Government Affairs Committee, has helped write North Carolina’s licensure rules for companion and sitter services, is co-president of AARP in Raleigh, and is on the board of Health Affairs Round Table.