The Power of In-Home Care Assistance

A new generation of elderly are set to hit retirement age and they’re not like their predecessors. They’re more independent (and want to remain independent), social media savvy, and used to getting things on-demand (including services). So when it comes to their care in their later years, they’ll expect nothing less than the same high standards and peace of mind. That’s where home care agencies come in. 

We live in a world where we can get just about anything we want with the touch of a button. Senior home care service is bringing that same convenience and accessibility to those who need help in their own home with activities of daily living—and changing the way we think about aging in the process. Here’s what you need to know about this revolution in responsible senior care.

The current state of senior home care and the challenges that people face when trying to provide care for their elderly loved ones.

Home care for seniors can be challenging, especially given the changing landscape of health care systems and regulations. With increasing longevity and an aging population who often desire to stay in their homes longer, folks are having to juggle finding good home care while negotiating insurance plans, benefits, and funding options. Home care is also further complicated by a lack of qualified providers and practical resources to be able to support long-term care needs for each individual person. Many are looking for ways to remain in their own home as safely and comfortably as possible for as long as possible. Home care is rapidly becoming one of the most important ways loved ones can provide customized compassionate resources for their elders. Home care services should be tailored-fit for individual cases to ensure that seniors enjoy life at home with quality assistance and comfort when warranted. Sadly, because Arizona home care is not regulated there are a lot of fly-by-night businesses. You should be looking for an agency in Maricopa County that holds itself to a higher standard. These agencies, that will be giving you peace of mind, should satisfy the following:

1. The home care agency should be doing background checks on each caregiver (ensuring the best care services) 
2. Include a background check that includes dedicated driving data (as a loved one and someone needing excellent care and transportation services for mom or dad you shouldn’t feel bad about demanding this) 
3. Daily activities are covered with checklists (things like bathing, toileting, ambulation, meal prep, etc). This is especially true for dementia or memory issues and coordination of care between your family and each member of the care agency.
4. Mother/father (the clients) feel comfortable with the caregivers. This is especially true when bathing and toileting are something that is needed.
5. Caregivers or Staff have experience with dementia
6. The company (home care provider) has a nurse on staff. This should have all parties have peace of mind that there is rigor built into the process for the agency.
7. Have resources/partners in health care or home health care that they can work with and/or call upon when you need peace of mind
8. The company refers to its customers as clients and not patients (this might indicate they are providing care on something they aren’t qualified to act like a home health company).
9. Caregivers have several years of experience (in actual caregiving and not things like home repairs 🙂 )
10. Each caregiver enjoys homemaker companion activities (like meal preparation, light housekeeping, and personal care)
11. Provide Medical reminders (but don’t administer meds or do other things that a home health agency would be certified and regulated to do)
12. Free Consultation – A reputable caregiving services agency should never charge clients for a consultation.
13. Team Approach: It shouldn’t feel like a one-person operation when you do the consult.
14. Cost: When selecting an agency, it’s important to pay attention to your budget and overall cost. Make sure you’re aware of their minimum hours (which should be stated), as well as the hourly rate they charge. It is essential that you choose a service provider who provides quality care – don’t just go for whoever offers the lowest price tag!

The advantages of in-home care, including personalized attention, around-the-clock support, and expert care.

Seniors should consider home care as it respects one’s dignity while providing personalized, expert care. Home care services ensure that seniors can feel safe and comfortable in their home which increases the well-being of the individual. Furthermore, home care enables you to reclaim your role as a son or daughter by having an around-the-clock support system in their own home for when they may not be able to be present. Home care professionals provide compassionate support for seniors allowing them to maintain independence, privacy, and unbiased support that comes without judgement. Home care is an excellent solution for individuals who desire continuity of care while maintaining dignity and independence each day in a home setting they are familiar with. This especially comes into sharp focus when a senior person is needing assistance with things like bathing, toileting, dressing,etc. 

How home care services can help seniors age in place safely and comfortably.

Aging in place gives valuable independence to seniors, but home care can be a critical factor in ensuring the safety and comfort of an aging loved one. In-home care assistance (sometimes called private nursing services) can assure you that your older relative is receiving help with activities of daily living such as transportation, meal prep, housekeeping, and medication management. More importantly, home care helps provide companionship for a senior who may feel isolated or unsafe staying home alone. Home care is gaining recognition for its ability to offer that extra layer of security and services that make sure seniors have the support they need to continue to lead happy and healthy lives in their own home.

The benefits of working with a professional home care agency.

Working with a home care agencies can provide many benefits to families and individuals looking for quality care and support while remaining in the comfort of home. An in-home caregiver from an agency can provide continuity of care in a familiar setting, giving peace of mind to both clients and families. Home care services agencies also understand the importance of providing quality caregivers who are highly vetted to reach the highest standard of excellence – that includes not only experience, but compassion as well. The combination of compassionate home caregivers aided by a reputable home care agency ensures your loved one is receiving the very best care. Top-notch care agencies will provide lots of exceptional services for your family. Examples include meal preparation (meal prep), light housekeeping, personal care, free consultations, respite care, trasportation (especially needed in the Arizona heat). 

A call to action for families who are struggling to provide care for their elderly parents on their own.

Elderly family members deserve the highest quality home care so they can age with the dignity and comfort they always offered their own family. People who feel overwhelmed by providing home care for their elderly family member should not hesitate to call us and schedule a home care consultation to learn about our exceptional service! Let us provide home care so you can focus on being the son or daughter that your aging relative deserves. With home care services tailored to their needs and our compassionate staff, you can be confident that your relative is receiving the best possible home care in a safe and secure environment (their own home). Schedule a home care consult today–your elderly parent or relative won’t regret it.

In conclusion, providing senior home care for our elderly loved ones is both challenging and rewarding. With more families consisting of dual earners or caregivers with geographical distance from their aging relatives, it’s increasingly hard to provide the attentive care and dedication required to ensure their safety and comfort. Although elderly care at home can be provided by family members in many cases, professional, externally-provided in-home care can be a huge value add for those unable to do so due to various limitations. The advantages of professional in-home care services – such as personalized support, 24/7 attention, and expert advice – are invaluable and make the services a worthwhile investment. In-home care agencies offer seniors the opportunity to continue living independently in their own homes while receiving specialized attention without sacrificing their existing lifestyles or uprooting them. Working with a professional agency will further help alleviate some of the stress associated with caring for beloved elders. If you feel that providing appropriate home care for your aging loved one seems daunting or if you’re struggling to juggle multiple responsibilities while providing said care – reach out to us today at Preferred Care at Home of Southeast Valley. Our family-owned/operated team of experts is here to discuss your needs and budget concerns, explain more about caregiver screenings and selection processes we implement, giving you freedom from worry and allowing your focus on what’s important; your elderly loved one receiving tailored assistance from experienced professionals so they are safe and comfortable at home! Book a call with one of us on the team today to learn more about our offerings and how we can best serve your specialty needs and provide an environment where your loved one feels secure, listened to and most of all happy!