Types of Senior Home Care Services

The desire to lead a full, independent, and dignified life is no less important when a person transitions into the older adult stage. With this in mind, the senior home care services industry has expanded in order to offer services that will enrich a person’s life with personalized in-home care. These services may fall into several categories: personal care, companion, and home maker services. Selecting an in-home care provider requires investigating the credentials of the agency. Make sure that each service provider is screened, trained and insured to provide responsible care that your loved one needs. You may find that many of these providers work in this industry as a result of having a loved one in need of this type of service.

Personal Care Services

The scope of personal senior home care services rely on the need of the individual. The services may include bathing, which is an essential aspect to how well a person may feel. Staying active is vital to the mental and physical well-being of an older adult. Your loved one may require daily activities which consider his or her physical limitations. In-home service providers can also work with family members and health care professionals to provide meal planning and preparation for those who have special diets.

Companion Services

To be able to have someone to talk to can go a long way towards enhancing the quality of life for many older adults. Senior home care services which focus on providing companionship for a certain number of hours each day, or several days in the week may be all that a person requires. These may include running errands, grocery shopping, conversation, respite for family members, and medication reminders. Your loved one will enjoy having freedom, control and the satisfaction of being in familiar surroundings that does not exist in a nursing home.

Homemaker Services

Homemaker services are very similar to those provided through personal care and companion services. Receiving senior home care services with this option delays the need for a person receiving care in a nursing home facility, and allows people who have been in the hospital to return to their homes. These services can be limited, depending on personal income and other resources. Basic household assistance may include light housekeeping and light meal preparation (unlike the specialized meal plan and cooking with personal care).

The one drawback to a person receiving in-home care is the financial hurdles that still exist. Most insurance plans do not cover the costs of home based services if no medical condition has been diagnosed.

Senior home care is a growing concern for many people and it can be difficult. However, their are many resources online about senior care including my other article about senior home care services and faculty based care

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