How Homecare Agencies Assist the Growing Elderly Population

It’s no secret that homecare agencies are in high demand these days. They provide a wide variety of essential homecare services so seniors can remain in their homes. Homecare gives seniors independence and doesn’t place a burden on family members to care for them.

According to the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), the population of adults over age 65 is rising at three times the rate of the population of family members who can care for them. That’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider the increasing needs of this elderly population. Without homecare agencies, many seniors would be forced into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. While many of these organizations provide excellent care, many seniors simply don’t need the level of care and assistance they provide. In addition to giving the elderly more independence, homecare is typically more affordable than these facilities as well.

The care provided by homecare agencies can be divided into three categories: personal care, keeping house, and companionship. One of the many great things about hiring a homecare agency is that you can pick and choose which services they will provide. Think of it is as ordering à la carte. You only pay for the specific services your elderly loved one needs.

Personal Care
Depending on their age and condition, many elderly people have difficulty with personal care and hygiene. Homecare agencies can help with:
Bathing, washing their hair, brushing their teeth, using the bathroom, and numerous other aspects of personal hygiene
Getting dressed in the morning and undressing at night
Moving around the house, such as getting out of bed, rising from a chair, or walking from room to room
Transportation, such as driving them to the grocery store, the doctor, a friend’s house, or other activities

Keeping House
In can be demoralizing for a senior to no longer be able to keep a clean and orderly house. By simply helping around the house, homecare agencies can improve a senior’s self-worth and mood. These services include:
Light housekeeping, such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and taking out the trash
Cooking meals and washing dishes
Scrubbing showers, tubs, and toilets
Doing laundry, ironing clothes, and changing linens

Companionship
Companionship is often forgotten when considering what seniors need when they choose to live at home alone. If family is either too far away or too busy to regularly visit, homecare agencies can also provide companionship services:
Having someone to talk to and reminisce with
Playing board games or cards to keep their minds engaged
Providing medication management to ensure they take the right medications at the right times
Maintaining a safe home environment
Opening mail and making sure bills get paid
Arranging doctor appointments

Learn more about the many services homecare agencies can provide for your elderly loved one by visiting www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.