Roughly 44% of people who receive home care need help with at least one daily activity. For many individuals, that includes bathing and showering. There are also many people who require skilled nursing services on top of personal care assistance around the house.
Senior citizens often find themselves in need of senior living assistance, especially as various ailments pop up. Not everything can be managed alone, and mobility aids can only do so much.
Here's how assisted living support can lead to optimal elder care for your loved one.
Personal care assistance is an option for anyone who needs help around the house due to personal injury or ongoing illnesses. Some of the most common tasks taken on by caregivers include:
Elderly people are especially prone to accidents, injuries, and general confusion, depending on their condition. Many family members feel more at ease knowing their loved one is getting help at home. It can also help them feel less anxious about living in another city or state.
In an assisted living environment, personal care assistants work closely with other staff members. Each resident receives personalized care that allows for as much independence as possible.
Not every senior citizen wants to rely on someone else either around the house or in an assisted living community. However, personal care can benefit the elderly in many different ways.
The first reason to consider personal care is because it can improve a senior's quality of life. Many seniors would rather struggle at home alone. However, that can lead to overexertion, anxiety, and loneliness.
A personal care provider will ensure that seniors maintain their hygiene and health, which leads to increased self-esteem. They'll enable seniors to focus on what they can control rather than what they can't.
Falls and accidents are common concerns for older adults. Even with an emergency call button, it could take far too long for someone to arrive and help. When you have access to personal care, you'll always have someone available.
Personal care assistants are trained to assist with movement and transfers, which is useful for those with severe mobility issues. They will also monitor the environment for any potential hazards.
Seniors rely on caregivers for more than physical assistance. They can get some emotional support, as well. Caregivers often build strong bonds with the people they care for, and the same goes for seniors.
It's not uncommon for a senior citizen to find themselves lonely or isolated. Even a connection with a caregiver can make a difference in their lives.
Many seniors take multiple medications simultaneously to treat their various ailments. Keeping track of the proper dosages and schedules can be overwhelming for them.
A personal care assistant can take over medication management on their behalf to ease their confusion. This will help reduce the risk of medication errors. They'll also keep track of a senior's health which can help at their next doctor's visit.
One of the biggest benefits of receiving personal care in an assisted living community is access to personalized care plans. These plans are tailored to the individual needs of each resident.
What this means for seniors is that they won't feel too babied or coddled. They get as much help as they want and need.
Since something like arthritis occurs in roughly 35% of seniors, it's common for seniors to receive help with mobility or lifting heavy objects. Someone with diabetes might want a nutritional plan or someone to help them prepare healthy meals.
Caregiving is an important aspect of any kind of assisted living support community. An assisted living community should prioritize enhancing retirement life for each of its residents. That can mean many different things for each person.
Without personal care assistance, some residents might not have access to the same quality of life as their peers. In fact, it can help them live life to the fullest and provide more opportunities they wouldn't have at home.
Caregivers become like a second family to the people they care for. They're always around, available for any assistance a senior may need. Nurturing this relationship helps the individual feel more comfortable sharing problems they may have.
In addition, receiving personal care can open up a resident's schedule. Instead of struggling to clean or bathe themselves, they can get the help they need to jumpstart their day.
Caregivers provide a type of companionship and mental stimulation for seniors, even when they're having a bad day. They're someone to talk to about any concerns or problems. Many caregivers have experience talking to their clients and can provide comforting words.
Depending on the type of assisted living community they live in, seniors may also receive assistants who specialize in memory care.
Contrary to what some people may believe, personal care assistance at home or in an assisted living community encourages independence in seniors.
A senior may self-isolate if they're unable to do things like get dressed or take a shower. Getting help with those tasks can push them to move out of their comfort zone and reintegrate into society.
In addition, caregiving can alleviate any burden the family may feel. Visiting their loved one won't have to include chores as long as they have personal care assistance.
Personal care assistance can take many different forms for each senior. Some might only want a little help around the house a few times a week. Others will need full-time support in an assisted living community that has professional staff.
Portland Place Assisted Living provides assisted living for seniors in the Sandusky, Ohio area. Our pet-friendly apartments come with ample storage space, AC systems, and kitchenettes. Contact us today to learn more and to set up a tour.