The Options Available to Seniors Living Alone

The development of home health care took place because people wanted to remain in their home for as long as possible. Many seniors have lost spouses, friends and other family members. Their home makes it possible for them to retain the memories they have collected throughout their life. Unfortunately, many elderly individuals are unable to care for themselves independently and others often suffer from depression due to the many hours they spend alone. Home care services offer a solution for these types of issues. There are two basic kinds of this care available today. One is specifically for the people with medical needs and the other is designed to lend a helping hand.

Make Life Easier

The decision of what service to use will depend on the need of the patient. A non-medical assistant is enough if the client only requires an occasional reminder to take their medication or needs someone to pick up a prescription or take them to a medical appointment. These clients are healthy, but their age or poor mobility requires them to find someone to help with tasks like housework and getting dressed. A home health aide for this type of service is also able to offer transportation, provides companionship, cooks and cleans and attend events with their client.

Get Medical Oversight

Pressing medical needs that require a certified medical professional requires the need of the individual or their family to find home health agencies that specifically offer this type of service. The agencies that provide medical care may have aides that do some housekeeping and assist with personal care, but they are not as focused on providing companionship. Their services are often not available when the senior has no medical needs.

Try a Combination

Some seniors benefit from having attention from both types of services. Their medical needs may require them to have a certified nurse or another medical caregiver in their home once a week or a couple of times a month. The remainder of their care is easily fulfilled by someone that will help them with their hobbies, offer conversation and do the housekeeping services they cannot.

Every situation is different, so it is important for seniors and their family members to learn as much as possible about all of the options available to them today. The best services offer flexible schedules, screened employees and an enormous amount of ways they are willing to help. Find out more and avoid spending money on unnecessary retirement facilities or the risk of living without any assistance.