The Importance of Planning Ahead When It Comes to Elderly Home Care

 

 Census numbers indicate that citizens 85 and older are one of the quickest-growing groups in the United States. Add the fact that the health of those citizens can decline sharply and without notice, and it becomes ever more important to plan ahead when it comes to elderly home care. You do not want to be caught off guard when you or your loved ones get sick or hurt-and it's likely they will.

Other Reasons Planning Is Important

• Many hospitals discharge their patients only a few days after a surgery. If complications occur, a patient may be at home alone or with someone who is untrained.
• Not only are people 85 and older fast-growing, the Census shows that 20 percent of all Americans will be 65 years old or older by 2030.
• You can find the best care if you have time to research and plan rather than have to handle everything on the fly.

Considerations For Housing

Nursing homes may be stereotyped as the default place for elderly home care, but in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that of people 65 and older, a mere 5 percent live in nursing homes.

On the other hand, nearly 10 percent reside in independent living, continuing-care communities and assisted living. About 20 percent live at home with caregiver help. Even people who require extensive care such as IV tubes often stay at home.

• Look for state programs such as Medicare and Medicaid that allow elderly people to stay at home and receive government assistance for their care.
• Buy long-term care insurance. It helps with the daily costs of caring for someone at home. Expenses such as health aides are included.
• Seek out adult day care programs and private caregiver agencies. They have strong medical backgrounds with licensed, trained caregivers. They also offer a wide range of services tailored to meet any need.

Does your elderly loved one have an in home care provider? Here are the questions you should be asking them on a regular basis:

If your parents or grandparents have in home senior care, asking regular questions of their caregivers is a great way to keep on top of matters. Don't be afraid to ask seemingly delicate questions; chances are that the caregiver has heard everything under the sun. If you live a long distance away, or even a short distance away, asking over the phone or video chat is fine. The key thing is to communicate.

Ask Questions Such as:

• What changes, big or small, have there been?
• How often have they been eating and what?
• What activities have they been participating in?
• How is their health? Are they getting their medications? Any side effects?
• Do they cry often? Do they seem sad, lonely or depressed?
• What are they doing independently and what do they need help with? To what degrees?
• Which people (and/or experiences) do they react most positively to and most negatively to?
• What can I do to make your living space more comfortable or safer?
• Are you getting enough personal time?

Avoid asking simple yes/no questions, although sometimes these work best. Yes/no questions run the risk of cutting off conversation, while open-ended questions can lead to free-flowing and thoughtful discussion.

You should also ask questions about the caregivers themselves. They work long hours and under much strain. In some cases, they may temporarily be living in the home. Questions to ask them include:

Remind the caregiver and the in home senior care agency to contact you if needed and that you (or another person you name) are available for help or questions.

Don't forget to ask questions of your parents or grandparents, too. Regular conversations will sharpen their mental acuity and social skills, and keep them engaged.

Joyful home care is a business that was birthed out of a desire to help the elderly live life with joy every step of the way. We are based in Long Island, New York.

Looking for  home care for seniors in NYC, home health aide agencies, elderly home care in NYC, elder care home care and alzheimer's in home care? Contact https://joyfulhomecare.com/

 

1344 Middle Country Rd, Centereach, NY 11720