Making it easier for seniors to ask for help

Nora Bouchard, an executive and leadership coach and the author of “Mayday! Asking for Help in Times of Need” explains it perfectly in an article printed in April, 2020 by CNBC. She explains that people in general are “hardwired to want to do things on their own.” We are, by nature, independent beings who want to do things for ourselves which makes it extremely uncomfortable to ask for help from others. It’s a control thing. For seniors, asking for help is pretty much admitting to themselves that they are losing control of their independence, freedom, and lifestyle. This is an incredible fear for aging adults – especially those who have not had to rely on the support of others. 

There are other reasons seniors don’t like asking for help. Pride, loss of privacy, denial, and cognitive impairment can all play a part in why an aging adult has trouble asking for help. Whatever the reason, we can take steps to help seniors feel more comfortable about seeking out and receiving help from others.

How to make it easier for seniors to ask for help

1. Do Not Approach Them with The Intention of Taking Control – Any aging adult who is experiencing difficulty in daily tasks and caring for themselves is already feeling upset and on-guard about what they are capable of doing. More than likely, they are not going to want to give up any part of their independence. If you are going to approach a loved one about your concerns, don’t do it forcefully. Start with a simple conversation about your worries and let them know how much you care about them and their safety. Start small. 
2. Remind Them of How Providing Help Fulfills You – Let your loved ones know that you want to be around and that you want to do what you can to make life easier for them. Your love and support will go a long way when an aged adult realizes that you don’t want to take over their lives but add to it and make it better. 
3. Explain What You Are Afraid Of – Explaining to your loved ones their medical and physical conditions and what kind of consequences they might face by not asking for help could motivate them to ask and receive help where it is needed. The reality of injuries from falling, unsafe driving, and safety risks from other activities could be enough to initiate the beginning of requests for support from a senior. 
4. Explain The Types of Support Available – Many seniors may not realize that there is such a variety of options of support available to them. For example, a conversation about how your loved ones need daily assistance or help with bathing/dressing and cooking could be interpreted by your loved one as ‘they need to live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.’ They may not realize that there are alternative methods of care like in-home aides who can come to their home and provide support on an on-going basis. 

Communicating some of the ideas and options for help that your loved one may not be aware of can make a huge difference in how open they are to asking for and receiving the help that they need. Approach the situation lovingly, calmly and patiently. It might take some time for your loved one to let down their guard and warm up to the idea of having additional help and asking for it.  

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Be prepared when vetting home care agencies

What to look for when seeking a trustworthy, compassionate and professional caregiver.

Opting for in-home care over assisted living and rehabilitation facilities is a growing trend that shows no sign of slowing down. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that home health and personal care aid jobs will grow 34% from 2019 to 2029, a growth rate they classify as “much faster than other occupations.” And as more seniors choose home care over assisted living facilities due to COVID-19, there’s a good chance this industry will grow even more quickly than predicted.

Home care allows adults to live independently longer. It provides security and choice for the individual receiving care and peace of mind for their family members. From occasional respite care to a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, home care allows for flexibility.

Home caregivers can provide a wide range of services, from help with personal care and daily living activities to rehabilitation assistance after surgery. When looking for a quality home care agency, evaluate each one you consider with a thorough interview. The following questions will help you find a trustworthy, compassionate, and professional provider.

15 Questions to ask

Are you licensed and insured? Licensing requirements vary by state. Request a copy of an agency’s “insurance declaration page” as proof of coverage. You can also ask whether they hold any special certifications or accreditations.

How long has your agency been in business? Ask who owns and operates them.

How do you select your caregivers? Look for an agency that checks references. Verify the level of experience caregivers have before they are hired. Ask about background checks — a good agency will conduct background checks on all its caregivers.

Are your caregivers bonded? Look for a caregiver who is bonded against theft and ask the value at which they are covered.

How do you train your caregivers? Ask whether the agency provides ongoing training after caregivers are hired.

Do you assign your caregivers a supervisor to oversee the quality of care your clients receive? If the answer is yes, ask how often the supervisor will visit the client’s home.

How much do you charge? When discussing cost, ask whether there are different rates for holidays and weekends. Verify how often you are billed, whether rates vary depending on services and training level of the caregiver, and whether they require a deposit. Ask if they accept credit cards, and if it applies to you, ask whether they accept long-term care insurance.

What hours are you available? Confirm whether they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Ask whether they are available for emergencies and if so, ask whether there is an additional charge for this.

Do I have to sign a contract that locks me into services? Look for a provider that offers flexibility in case your needs change. Ask about the process for submitting requests for changes.

Do you write a personalized care plan for each of your clients? If so, ask what it includes and how often it is updated. Ask whether they include family members’ input.

How often and by what means do you communicate with family members? Ask whether they provide electronic communication, verbal communication or regular reports. Ask whether there is an additional fee for this.

How do you handle problems and complaints? Find out who you can call and how the agency follows up on and resolves complaints.

How do you ensure the confidentiality of your clients?

Do you have back-up care if my caregiver becomes ill?

Can you provide references? Reference might include doctors, clients and family members?

For more information

How to Pay for In-Home Care, AgingCare.com, May 29, 2020.

6 Steps to Finding the In-Home Care Agencies That Are Right for You, AgingInPlace.org.

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Limited social interaction isn’t great for any person, but it is particularly hard on seniors. Social interaction is a major factor in the quality of life of elderly people. Without it, seniors are more likely to feel lonely and depressed – which will negatively impact physical health. Loneliness and depression are often followed by reduced physical exercise, poor nutrition, poor habits and more.

1. How Neighbors Impact the Lives of Seniors
Neighbors of seniors can play a crucial role in the health and well-being of seniors in more ways than one. Here are just a few ways that seniors can support themselves by building and establishing relationships with the people in their neighborhoods.

2. Get Some Help – Seniors are often traveling to visit family. But traveling restrictions and warnings have made it difficult for that to happen. While many people are relying on technology to allow them to see their loved ones, not all seniors have an understanding of how to make it work. Nearby neighbors are a great resource to call on when seniors need help with something technical or difficult.

3. Getting Errands – While COVID-19 is still a health risk, seniors may not want to venture far from their homes. Neighbors can be a valuable resource when it comes to running errands. If a neighbor is going out to the store, seniors might ask that they run by the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. There is ongoing support in the community for seniors who extend the invitation to help.

4. Stay Safe – Enrolling neighbors for support can help seniors if an emergency arises. If a senior has a fall or an accident, neighbors are close enough to help quickly. Put neighbors on speed-dial or list them as emergency contacts if something should come up.

5. Checking-In –Neighbors are often pretty aware of what is happening in the neighborhood. They see their neighbors out walking the dog at certain times of the night, they know that their next-door neighbors are always out at 8 am on Sunday for church. When senior’s routines change, this can be a red flag that something is wrong. Asking neighbors to be on the lookout for strange activity can be life-saving.

6. Companionship – Even in the COVID era, companionship cannot be destroyed. Neighbors can easily stay 6 feet apart and still have good conversations and connect. This is a mega role in the lives of seniors and can make a huge impact on the overall well-being and health of an older individual. For example, seniors can take walks with the neighbor walking the dog and get some exercise and companionship at the same time.

Seniors can boost their support system, social life, and overall quality of life by simply making friends with the people in their neighborhood and asking for a bit of assistance. Seniors’ priorities should be their own safety and well-being and getting to know the neighbors in your area is a simple and rewarding way to do that.

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Respite care can come from friends or family who watch your loved one so you can take a personal break. Respite care might even be available through volunteer services. Oftentimes, full-time caregivers rely on home care services to provide respite care. These are paid caregivers who are trained and experienced to provide the support that you need.

Respite care time frame–when and how long?
Many people who are seeking respite care are curious about how long the care is provided. Respite care can range from a few hours a day to one or two days a week. Sometimes care is provided monthly or for weeks at a time – it really just depends on the type of support you are enlisting and how that particular service operates. Respite care is designed to meet your needs, so the respite program is made to fit each individual caregiver. Respite care can also be provided occasionally or on an on-going basis.

Types of respite care
There are different types of respite care available to caregivers.

• Facility services – Respite care facilities are much like assisted living centers, but they provide short-term respite services instead of long-term support.
• Adult day centers – Adult day centers allow caregivers to drop off their loved one for a few hours or a whole day. They offer classes, meals, and some even provide transportation services and can pick-up your loved one.
• Home Care – Home care is often a preferred choice because it allows your loved one to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. Home care providers come to you and can assist with a number of services from transportation, cooking, providing companionship, bathing, exercise and more.

Does insurance cover respite care?
Depending on the type of services you are requesting and the type of agency you need – some insurances might cover it. Private insurances may offer long-term care coverage and you may receive help from Medicaid or Medicare. Policies vary so it is always important to see what type of coverage you have. Most private insurances do not cover respite care.

There are government and other private programs that do provide assistance. Each state’s developmental disabilities agencies can provide information to help you learn what type of respite care is available. There are also caregiver groups and non-profit organizations for specific conditions that have other resources, too.

When you need a break
As a full-time caregiver, the most difficult part could be recognizing that respite care is needed and admitting that you need support. All caregivers need support and some time to themselves.

Mental, physical and emotional stress is high for caregivers and breaks are necessary. Support yourself and your needs so that you can continue to provide the support that your loved one needs – and that you want to provide. Taking a break doesn’t mean that you don’t love your family member or that “you can’t do it,” it simply means that you know that you require a recharge so that you can continue to provide the loving care that you are so proud of giving. Seeking support is never a weakness – it is always a stepping block to support you in your full-time caregiving.

Be nice to yourself and your family caregiver
After all, caring for a family member, juggling a job and keeping your own family and household running are feats that almost require superhuman strength. It’s okay, even recommended, that you put yourself first sometimes by taking a much-earned respite from the stress that only a superhuman can fathom. If you let yourself get mired in the stress of managing so many lives, it will hurt you and your loved ones. Be nice to yourself!

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Many seniors don’t require assistance and can maintain independence for many years. However, some older adults do struggle with physical and mental limitations that may hinder the ability to safely perform daily tasks like personal hygiene, grocery shopping and getting to doctor appointments. When these situations arise, family members become concerned and want to provide help for their loved ones but realize that many options are going to take away the sense of independence and freedom that their loved ones value. 

But they still need help!

What exactly does “aging in place” mean? Simply said, it is living in your beloved home as long as possible. In-home care is designed to help people do exactly that.

What are seniors up against? According to a new Harvard study, it suggests “that two-thirds of Americans over age 65 need help doing one or more everyday activities such as eating, bathing, and getting in and out of bed or a chair.”

More and more seniors are relying on in-home assistance for support while focusing on aging in place. The incredible surge of medical devices, telehealth options, advancement in technology, and assistance provided by home care services has given older adults a new level of support that they desire. And the more that we understand how much assistance the over 65 population needs, more help can become available. 

Remaining independent with home care services

As new research has provided information about how to help seniors enhance their quality of life, home care services have grown to provide assistance that supports senior needs. For example, home care providers understand how important independence is for senior well-being. Home care assistance provides a range of services that help seniors not only maintain independence but also enhance it. Here’s how:

• Mobility – Perhaps an aged adult has trouble getting to and from the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or church – in-home care assistance can provide transportation so that seniors can get to where they need to go. 
• Loneliness/Companionship – Aging adults often feel depressed and isolated due to limited social activity. Since COVID-19, this has become an increasingly bigger concern for senior health care providers. Home care services offer companionship that seniors may not otherwise get to enjoy and benefit from.
• Grocery Shopping/Cooking – Home care providers are available for meal planning, prepping and cooking. Many seniors miss out on dietary needs that can enhance physical and mental health because of challenges with grocery shopping and cooking. Home care can help put dietary concerns at the forefront of daily living.
• Personal Hygiene – Seniors who suffer from severe physical health issues often feel very discouraged and depressed about the limited tasks they can perform to care for themselves. This might include bathing, dressing and even brushing their own teeth. Assistance with personal hygiene may not take away the depression that comes with losing physical capabilities, which is why home care providers are trained to help seniors feel more encouraged and motivated, cared for and valued. 

Senior home care is absolutely the best option to help aging adults feel independent and free while still receiving the support that they need. The best thing about home care is that it is flexible to meet the needs of each individual depending on the type of help that they need and how often. It is the perfect personalized support for any senior. 

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The Institute for Healthcare Communication’s June 2018 newsletter explains that “while strong communication skills are essential to forming relationships and building trust, they are especially vital to understanding and addressing social determinants of health that affect the most vulnerable populations that healthcare organizations serve.”  

Empathic communication skills are essential. According to Life at Work, “Empathic communication is communication that takes into account what we do, the way we do it, and our impact on other people.”

With empathic communication, home care providers offer so much more than just daily support and assistance. 

Build Trust with Clients
Home care providers must build a trusting relationship with their clients in order to meet their client’s needs, keep them in home care, and help them receive the support that they need. To build trust with a client, communication needs to be free of judgment and full of compassion and care. Understanding the challenges and feelings that the vulnerable population experiences can help create an environment of genuine empathy which allows communication to flow more easily. 

Help Clients Open Up About Their Needs
When a client doesn’t trust the care providers around them, they are less likely to disclose information. Fear of judgment, anger, confusion and frustration will keep clients tight-lipped. Empathic communication will help clients feel heard, understood and cared for which will promote a safe environment and relationship for information to be shared. 

Clear Communication
Communication plays more than just one role with care providers. Clear communication means being able to communicate under stress, negotiating, expressing your own needs while considering someone else’s needs, listening fully and practicing honesty without insulting anyone.  Strong communication for care providers builds mutual respect and sets a standard that solidifies integrity and honesty. 

Emotional Support
People who seek care providers need emotional support but are often afraid, ill and confused. The emotional stress that patients endure when transitioning to receiving care is high and care providers can use good communication skills to ease the stress, promote a safe and comfortable environment, and provide the emotional support that their clients need – even when those clients are guarded. 

Communication is an essential skill when caring for a vulnerable individual. Without good communication, many important needs of a client may be missed, clients might discontinue services and ultimately not receive the support that they need. Taking the time to build on empathic communication skills can greatly improve a care provider’s success in providing the support that will truly benefit the clients. 

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Caregivers of those with dementia need a lot of patience – but patience isn’t all that caregivers have in their tool belts. Several other tools can help manage anger, aggression and alleviate intense outbursts. 

1. Understand the Disease – People with dementia lash out at caregivers when they are frightened, confused, and/or disoriented. To manage anger and aggression, caregivers have to understand what triggers these episodes. This could take some time to understand, but it is extremely important in reducing stressors for the patient. 
2. Calm Life Down, For Everyone – Overstimulation is a trigger for people with dementia. They cannot process information quickly and need more time to respond. Reducing stimulation can reduce intense and violent episodes. Keep the TV or radio down. Minimize the number of visitors. Speak slowly, simply and directly. Be patient and wait for answers to questions.
3. Don’t Over Complicate Tasks – The most simple of tasks are not that simple for people with dementia. For them, making decisions and choices is complicated and confusing. Overwhelming them with decision making can trigger anger and aggression. Instead of asking what they want for dinner, try giving them two choices instead. Make the choice simple. 
4. Make Space for Their Emotions – You won’t be able to eliminate every angry, aggressive episode, but you can make room for them to get the anger out. Avoid arguments and ensure there are no safety concerns for them or anyone else. As long as they are safe, allowing time to themselves is fine. 
5. Create Structured Routines – Just like children, routines can help reduce stress. Routines eliminate an overwhelming number of choices for people with dementia and decrease confusion, as with routines they know what to expect next. Set appropriate times for dinner, activities, naps, television and exercise. Also consider keeping items in the same spot for easier location and to reduce confusion and stress. For example, keep the toothbrush on the left side of the sink, or set the TV remote on the table. If your loved one can access items more easily, you can keep aggressive episodes under control more often.

Don’t forget that caregivers need to take time out for themselves too. The more you care for yourself, the better you can care for and support those who need your help. You can depend on experienced and qualified home care aides to relieve you for the time to rest and recharge. 

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The Pros and Cons

The COVID-19 pandemic has a lot of people on edge, particularly those who are concerned with the well-being of loved ones at high risk of contracting the virus. The CDC states “The risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that a person diagnosed with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, a ventilator to help them breathe or may even die.” 

For adult children of aging parents, the fear is real. Many adult children have parents in assisted living facilities where exposure to the virus is even greater – but that doesn’t mean that adult children have the means to care for an elderly parent 24 hours a day. There are pros and cons in establishing a new living arrangement between adult children and their elderly parents. Let’s explore those. 

PROS 

• Moving aging parents out of a facility can ease the worry and fear that adult children are experiencing because of the pandemic.
• Removing aged parents from a facility can strongly decrease exposure to the virus
• Aging parents will have more companionship in their children’s homes.
• Costs for caring for aging parents can decrease depending on the situation.
• Aged parents get to spend more quality time with their children and other family members.
• Adult children will see first-hand how their parents are doing physically, mentally and emotionally on a day-to-day basis. 
• Extra support is available to caregivers in-home. Places like Synergy Home Care have direct support staff who can provide in-home respite care, companionship for your parents, light housekeeping and errand running and more. 
• Providing care to family members sets an example for young children and other family members and sets a standard of how family takes care of each other. 
• Adult children often feel great personal satisfaction knowing that they are giving back the love and support that their parents showed them. Personal satisfaction is a huge reward for many caregivers – especially after loved ones have passed.
  

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  “Though rewarding, the responsibilities are constant and the stress involved is very real.”

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CONS

• Adult children may not realize the time and energy it takes to care for their parents. 
• There may be costs to move parents from a facility to the adult child’s home, as well as possible ongoing costs with the facility – depending on the situation.
• Adult children may have to get the home “senior-ready” which might include taking space away from the adult child to provide room for the parent.
• Aging parents may feel like an imposition on their adult children.
• Adult children will be responsible for their parent’s doctor visits, prescription monitoring, diet, etc. 
• Caring for a family member can put additional stress on family units and may cause arguments between spouses and children. Close-quarter living arrangements can cause resentment with children and could be detrimental to the parent-child relationship. This factor should be carefully considered before altering the family dynamic.

The pros and cons are large. Caring for an aged parent is not an easy job. Though rewarding, the responsibilities are constant and the stress involved is very real. But there are options available to caregivers that can alleviate that tension and burden. In-home support staff can take a chunk of the responsibility off the shoulders of adult children and help create a more fun and enjoyable living situation for everyone in the home. 

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The stressors continue to pile up and more unpaid caregivers are in desperate need of respite care and support. One thing that hasn’t changed during the COVID pandemic is how important self-care is for caregivers. 

“When you are the primary source of care for an elderly relative or a disabled adult or child, you probably feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. “

Five Rules Caregivers Need to Follow to Survive the Pandemic

1. Rely on Convenience – One of the biggest stressors for caregivers is the health of the loved one they provide ongoing care for. With COVID-19 continuing into 2021, remove the stress of taking loved ones out in public by requesting telehealth appointments, getting prescriptions delivered to your home, and arrange grocery deliveries.
2. Set Boundaries – Some people are not adhering to CDC suggestions regarding the pandemic so it is important to set boundaries where caregivers can control them. This might include setting boundaries with family members during the holidays, reminding neighbors not to “drop by” or moving in-home church groups online.
3. Find Support – Options for support may feel like they have dwindled this year. However, there are still safe ways for caregivers to receive support. Respite care is provided by trained individuals who are taking every precaution to prevent exposure and contamination. In-home aides are still a safe option of support for caregivers. They can provide respite care in an emergency, companionship for loved ones, prepare meals safely and assist loved ones with tasks of daily living.

   During the holiday season, direct support from in-home aides can significantly reduce stress to caregivers by taking on some of the responsibilities and freeing up caregivers’ time to take care of other holiday tasks. 

4. Sleep – Sleep is SO important. The amount of sleep caregivers get is going to significantly impact how they feel and how they are able to support those around them. Without proper sleep, caregivers will likely see a decrease in memory and the ability to handle and cope with stressors. 
5. Caregiver Resources – Take advantage of the many caregiver resources available. Caregivers will be exposed more directly to the world of caregiving and benefits for caregivers that they may not be aware of. Online support groups, financial assistance, medical care and much, much more is available to help ease the stress and pressure associated with providing full-time care and support to a loved one. 

• • Caring Across Generations: Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers In the Era of COVID-19
    
  • VA Caregiver Support
  • Alzheimer’s Caregiving
  • Caring For The Caregiver
  • Medicaid Self Directed Care
  • Aid And Attendance Benefits

When you are the primary source of care for an elderly relative or a disabled adult or child, you probably feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Ease the burden felt by so many caregivers around the United States by relying on services like in-home support aides to help. 

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And how they can keep it

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Now, fast forward to today— for seniors, milestones have been reached and independence remains closely held. The ebb and flow of life have shown that with every freedom enjoyed, there is a price. Buying your first home, the ultimate freedom, you discovered the real cost of homeownership. The same goes for your shiny new car. Or those adorable children you raised. In retrospect, these freedoms came at a cost that a naive teen who couldn’t wait to shave or wear makeup couldn’t possibly fathom. 

Whether you’re on your way to puberty or a senior winding down after retirement, one thing remains constant: Independence, regardless of age, holds meaning that only you can appreciate.

Independence provides seniors with a sense of purpose. It has paved their life-path with opportunities for achievement. They’ve helped the lives of family and friends while enjoying activities that they love. That’s the freedom that no senior wants to lose.

Maintaining independence is a life goal, regardless of age. The ability to make choices throughout one’s life has a big impact on how seniors feel about themselves. When they are no longer making their own decisions, the loss of independence can be devastating, often causing isolation, leading to hopelessness and depression. 

Like the surprises, or costs, of freedom and independence, seniors discovered they could rest assured that living independently in their senior years will offer the same  While we cannot avoid some barriers to independence, we can take the time to understand the importance of independence for seniors and look for ways to increase opportunities to live independently. 

Here are four of the most important consideration for seniors to continue their independence:

1. Stay strong With the natural aging process comes challenges to independence. Mobility is a good example—losing your mobility is a sure way to lose independence. Walking, using hand weights and bicycling are fun and easy to do, with surprising results that keep strength optimized when done consistently. Retaining balance and strength is a huge determining factor in someone’s ability to remain independent. It also motivates older adults to stay active, which may result in health benefits that foster independence.

If strength is not routinely worked on, an aging person can likely lose muscle mass and core balance. Loss of strength and balance can lead to dangerous falls that leave a senior hospitalized or in a care facility to recuperate. Injuries from falls challenge seniors to maintain their independence.

2. Get involved; find a purpose
Get out of the house to volunteer, attend a church group or even visit family. Volunteering is a gift for seniors, as it fulfills a need for socialization while helping others.

3. Keep memory loss at bay
Seniors work hard to be independent. Being proactive to slow memory loss is one of the best gifts a senior can give to themselves to prolong their independence.

Daily routines help promote both memory and independence. While physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and might keep memory loss at bay. Try crossword puzzles. Play cards. Take different routes when driving. Learn new things. Volunteering will help, too.  

Keeping memory sharp can also help prevent falling prey to a scammer. 

4. Plan for tomorrow
One of the quickest ways seniors can lose their independence is by a fall. There are many ways to “fall-proof” your home to limit the likelihood of falling. By addressing home safety before you display any mobility issues, why not get a free home safety assessment from SYNERGY HomeCare to get an idea of how to remove safety hazards?  They assess your home for potential “slip areas,”  make recommendations for bathroom safety, and may even suggest rearranging your furniture. They use a safety checklist that contains over inspection points. Being proactive with safety is akin to an insurance policy—it’s there if you need it.  

A simple suggestion as having a phone charger in every room may save you from a fall one day.

There will be a day when you’ll need an extra hand around the house. You might need someone to prepare meals for you or to change linens or even do the laundry. If you’ve given up driving, you’ll need someone to take you to the doctor or the grocery store. Having help at home is a wonderful way to remain independent in the home that you love. This is another example of the cost of freedom and it’s well worth it.

What are the benefits of having help at home to remain independent?

Independence is the secret of longevity for seniors. Being able to remain in your own home as you age has a multitude of perks. Plus, it truly eclipses the thought of assisted living facilities, rehabs and nursing homes.

1. Cost-Effectiveness – A study published by the American Journal of Medicine shows patients who received home care after hospital discharge could save roughly $6,500 over the course of a year and decreased the risk of readmission and death. For others who require daily assistance, the flexibility of in-home care to meet personal and individual needs allows individuals the opportunity to receive care part-time or full-time or for respite care.
2. Individualized Attention and Care – Traditional caregiving institutions do not compare to the one-on-one attention that in-home care offers. While caregivers are attending to several individuals at once in a facility, in-home caregivers are responsible for one individual. Time, energy, and attention are focused on one person who can provide companionship and improve social interaction – which plays an essential role in the overall quality of life.
3. Maintaining Independence – People value their independence, especially those of us who are creeping up in age. Many individuals who require assistance in daily living feel the stress and anxiety of being unable to care for themselves independently. In-home care helps maintain a sense of control over their lives and offers more freedom while still having the support of a caregiver to assist with many tasks and chores that cannot be done otherwise. Those who require less assistance typically opt for in-home care as opposed to reducing their level of independence.
4. Familiarity – People with Alzheimer’s and dementia function better with familiarity and routine. Being able to stay in the same neighborhood, wake up in the same home, and follow the same routines can be valuable to individuals who suffer from cognitive disorders.
5. Maintaining Connections – Independence is not the only thing that individuals maintain when they receive in-home care. They are allowed to maintain relationships and connections with those around them. They can stay involved in spiritual/religious communities, keep connections with local service providers and healthcare professionals and places of familiarity that they enjoy.
6. Keeping Pets – Assisted living facilities, rehabs and nursing homes do not allow the individual the opportunity to keep beloved family pets or get new pets. Owning pets can reduce anxiety, stress and depression. It can also contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help improve physical activity. While many caregiving options take away the opportunity to own pets, in-home care can help care for the pet.
7. Comfort – Of all of the benefits that in-home care provides, comfort is probably the biggest. Peoples’ homes are a safe place for them, holding security and precious memories. Having that safety and comfort alone can help reduce anxiety and depression.
8. Reduce Caregiver Burnout – Family members responsible for the care of a loved one often suffer from caregiver burnout. Not only are they responsible for their own families and jobs, but they carry the weight of making sure that their loved one is safe and that their needs are met. In-home care helps take that extraordinary pressure off family members and reassures them that their loved ones are provided for and safe.  

No matter your age or abilities, being independent and living in the home you love will keep you healthier, both cognitively and physically. When the time comes, asking for help is an easy way to keep your independence and happiness.

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