The world of caregiving services can be overwhelming. There are many options and, with those, terms that aren’t always straightforward. Let’s take a look at the options available for elder care and how they might suit your needs.
First, we need to define two terms: ADLs and IADLs.
ADLs are Activities of Daily Living. These tasks are things people need to do to function each day. They include bathing, personal hygiene, getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating and functional mobility. The best way to think about functional mobility is being able to get around during the day, with or without mobility aids.
IADLs are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. While they may not be required to function daily, they help people maintain independence. These include cleaning your living space, managing money, cooking, shopping, taking medications and communicating with others.
In-Hospital Assistance
It can be difficult for loved ones to be there for us when we’re in the hospital. Work, school and other daily life events get in the way. With in-hospital assistance, caregivers can come to the hospital to help provide support and companionship. This can be important as loneliness can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health.
Of course, the added bonus to having an in-hospital caregiver is that they can help recall information. They may even be able to assist in advocating for your needs.
Post-Operative Care
Caregivers can provide help after operations and other medical crises both in the hospital or at home. That said, they generally do not provide medical care such as wound care.
This option is great for people who don’t live near family or whose primary caregivers aren’t able to help. If you live with your spouse but they are unable to lift you into a bed when needed, a caregiver can assist with that.
Hourly Care
Hourly care is the most flexible type of in-home care. Caregivers come on a schedule you set up with them beforehand for a few hours at a time. They can help with most anything you would need, from ADLs to IADLs.
This is the perfect type of care for someone who needs help while family is at work or when other care has fallen through. It’s also great for short-term bursts if you need help recuperating after an illness or surgery, but don’t necessarily need Post-Op care.
Personal Care
A caregiver focused on personal care helps with ADLs. Unlike other home care, though, there must be a specific hands-on need for aid in at least one of those areas. These caregivers do not help with IADLs and generally stay away from helping with housecleaning and other independence-oriented tasks.
While personal care isn’t for everyone, it can be a lifesaver for those who need assistance with eating or going to the bathroom.
Attendant Care
This is similar to hourly care, except that they are able to help with a larger variety of tasks. Attendants can help with ADLs, IADLs and issues around health and work. The assistance these caregivers provide is aimed at improving the ability for someone to function throughout their community.
This is perfect for those who need access to caregiving services, but also work outside of the home.
Respite
Sometimes, the family members who fill that role of caregiver get burned out or avoid taking care of themselves. The respite option is made specifically to help provide relief for these loved ones. Whether it’s so they can take a day to manage their own health or because you’ve lost your main support, respite care can be provided for a few hours or even a few weeks. Depending on your needs, this can happen either in or outside of the home.
Live-In Care
This option means there will be someone with you or your loved one at all times. Depending on the elderly care you need, this can look a number of different ways. One caregiver may live with you for a long period of time or you may see a different caregiver as often as every eight to 24 hours. Either way, someone is with you seven days a week. They can help with ADLs, IADLs and more.
This option fits best for those who need assistance with a wide variety of tasks throughout the day, whether that’s a long- or short-term need.
Superior Senior Care would be happy to discuss your needs for caregiving services. Please reach out to schedule a free in-home assessment.]]>