As parents begin to age, it will likely become more notable that average, daily things get harder and harder to do. Maintaining an entire house and living independently can both grow increasingly difficult with time. However, you do not need to send your parents to a nursing facility the second things get a little rough.
Instead, consider home care, a solution that allows for elderly individuals to continue living at home and maintaining the majority of their independence while also getting needed help.
Health care
Aging In Place takes a look at some of the different types of at-home care available. Note that both the mental and physical states of health of your parents will directly determine what sort of at-home care they need, and that not every person needs the same level of care even if they share the same age.
First, there is health care. This type of at-home care most often occurs directly after your parent has suffered from an injury or illness, or just underwent surgery. This type of care helps facilitate recovery, usually on the behest of your parent’s doctor. They may enlist speech pathologists, nurses or physical therapists depending on the type of recovery path needed.
Home nursing care
Next, you have home nursing care. This involves a nurse coming to your parent’s home and suits a parent suffering from a chronic condition or disability. They can set up a medicine schedule and ensure all of your parent’s medical needs get met, along with providing constant monitoring.
Personal care
Finally, personal care involves taking care of other, non-health related matters. A personal carer may do the laundry, clean the house or cook when your parents find it too physically demanding or strenuous to continue. Caregivers can also help if your parents need help bathing.
Over time, their needs may change, but fortunately an option still exists for most needs.