The baby boomer generation is aging. On one hand, more people are beginning to need senior care. On the other hand, an overwhelming majority of seniors prefer to stay in their homes. Elder home care offers both assistance and the ease of staying in your own home. Receiving in-home caregiving services also gives seniors a number of benefits that they don’t receive elsewhere.
No longer have to worry about basics
With a caregiver by their side, seniors can let go of some of the stress of living alone. Depending on how frequent their caregivers visit, seniors will be able to have transportation for medical appointments as well as running basic errands. A caregiver can be a built-in shopping buddy who can remind seniors what groceries to pick up as well as helping to stick to a healthier diet.
Create and stick to routines
Having a home health aide visit your home can help you feel more in control of your schedule. With the right kind of elder care, the routines that you set up will continue to be followed regardless of which caregiver is with you. Routines can also help ease anxiety, increase safety and can help seniors sleep better, too.
Comfort
Being able to stay at home is incredibly comforting. Instead of sleeping in a nursing facility surrounded by blank white walls, seniors can sleep in their own beds. With pictures of loved ones on the walls and happy memories surrounding them, seniors will feel comfort and love. Research has shown that seniors also recover faster at home post-surgery or illness.
One-on-one care
Aides in facilities are responsible for so many patients. On a daily basis, that can lead to missed medication doses. Seniors who are fall risks may have to wait upwards of an hour to have an aide come escort them to the bathroom. Unfortunately, that leads to a large number of falls.
With in-home elder care, seniors receive better care. The attention is consistently on one person. That’s a huge comfort for any senior or their loved ones. It can also lead to a wonderful relationship.
Better mental health
People who receive in-home care have been shown to have better mental health overall. Having another person around to assist with tough tasks means less time spent in a self-deprecating or frustrated mindset. Anxiety and concerns over fall risk melt away. Caregivers can suggest healthier things to do like go for a walk, too, cutting through apathetic moods.
Independence
As we age, it becomes less likely that we’re able to stay completely independent. Even if we’re not physically able to be fully independent, emotional independence is incredibly important. Having someone around who is dedicated to helping you maintain your independence helps affirm your personhood in a world where many seniors don’t get that validation.
Companionship
Many seniors feel comforted by their elder care provider. Having someone to talk to and laugh with can help curb feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is a major contributor to negative life events and can even shorten our lifespans.
Enjoy social life more
Seniors who receive elder care often find they’re able to go out and enjoy a social life again. Aging can take a large toll on social circles. Friends pass on or move to live with family. When seniors stay in their homes, they’re still connected with local friends, clubs and groups.
They’re also more likely to spend time with family members. Visiting nursing facilities can be uncomfortable for anyone, especially grandchildren. The overall mood tends to be gloomy. When seniors stay at home, they’re able to enjoy family visits more often.
Snuggle your pets
With 25 million baby boomers as pet parents, it’s clear that pets bring companionship and love. Seniors who stay at home are able to keep their pets. In addition to providing comfort for seniors, pets can be both healing and calming. They also give seniors a sense of purpose. When you have another living being depending on you, it makes it easier to get up and face each day. Service dogs are also a great option, providing both comfort and assistance.
The benefits of in-home elder care are vast, but these top nine mood boosters make it worth investigating for the seniors in your life.]]>