More seniors in Oklahoma City are choosing home care that allows them to remain more independent and stay in their homes as long as possible. Their home is where memories are, and family and friends feel free to visit. Staying at home can be more difficult as mobility and cognitive issues develop, but it’s not impossible. It often requires just a few changes and a little help to stay in the comfort of the family home rather than move into a residential community.
What are home care options?
Home care is not a medical option. It focuses on nonmedical issues and assistance with ADLs—activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, ambulating, toileting, and eating. Home care includes other activities, like cooking, companionship, grocery shopping, or driving the senior to the grocery. They fill in the gaps with the services necessary to help seniors stay at home longer.
Home care can help caregivers, too.
Family caregivers do so out of love, but it also adds more pressure to their day. They often require respite time for work, running errands, travel, or rest. Home care professionals help them, too. They provide the needed services, when necessary, whether it’s occasionally or on a scheduled basis. It allows the family caregiver to return refreshed or have time to handle other aspects of their lives.
Home care help can target instrumental activities of daily living—IADLs.
Studies show seniors who remain at home live longer. The small challenges of living alone can often prevent it. Doctor visits, shopping, cooking, taking care of pets, and household chores are some issues that become more difficult as people age. It may take a little extra help to remain in the home. Family and friends can provide help. However, many face complications in their own lives and can’t provide help consistently. Home care specialists can fill in the gaps and do what the senior and family can’t.
- Home care services do the tasks so that when family visits, they can spend more time with their loved ones and not have to spend time doing tasks. It allows more quality socialization time.
- Home care services can also help seniors stay healthier. They identify when there are changes in health and behavior, remind clients to take medication, and ensure there are healthy meals.
- Isolation is a problem faced by many seniors. It can lead to depression, which is sometimes the reason seniors fail to do self-care or care for their homes. Home care visitors can provide companionship.
- Staying at home helps keep seniors in familiar surroundings and on their own schedule. They have more control over their lives. That autonomy allows them to be more productive.