According to the CDC, half of all home care recipients need help with at least one activity every day. Many of them need assistance in the bathroom with bathing or showering. Then there are those who need medical or skilled nursing care.
Some seniors may see these needs as a loss of independence. They think requiring help means they can’t do the things they want to do or have become a burden. However, personal care services can help seniors live more independently.
Here’s how these services enable seniors to age with dignity.
The Role of Personal Care Services
Personal care services are designed to provide seniors with the assistance they need to manage daily activities. Some individuals may only need help with more strenuous tasks like cleaning or managing their homes. Others need personal care to help them bathe, sort medications, or make their meals.
These services are provided by caregivers who understand the challenges associated with aging and can address them effectively. In turn, seniors can maintain a higher quality of life than if they tried to live alone.
Seniors can access these services at their houses, in a personal care community, or at a skilled nursing home. However, the types and levels of care will differ greatly between them.
Senior Assistance for Everyday Needs
One of the primary benefits of personal care services is that they assist with everyday needs. Tasks that most adults take for granted can become much more difficult as you get older. They may need to bend or lift heavy objects when cooking or cleaning.
Even if a senior is fully capable of buying their own groceries, they might need help getting to the store or managing their finances. Seniors unable to stand for long periods might want help in the kitchen.
An underrated role of a caregiver is companionship. Loneliness and isolation are all too common for seniors, especially if they live alone. Caregivers provide meaningful interaction and reduce those feelings of loneliness.
Supporting Activities of Daily Living
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the basic tasks people perform to take care of themselves. These include the essentials like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the toilet
- Grooming
- Moving from a mobility device
Seniors may need daily living support if they develop physical limitations or certain medical conditions. The goal of personal care services is to provide that support while respecting the senior’s dignity and preferences.
If someone makes a mistake with their medication management, then that could lead to serious health problems later on. Struggles with mobility could result in a fall. Personal care services can help prevent those situations.
A Reliable Support System
Caregivers do more than housekeeping or meal prep services. For many seniors, they function as their primary support system.
Many seniors live alone, away from the rest of their family. The occasional visit isn’t enough to watch for changes to their lifestyle or health.
The proactive approach they take includes monitoring the health and well-being of their clients. These caregivers can identify any changes that need medical attention or adjustments to the care plan. They can also advocate for seniors, communicating with healthcare providers and family members.
Family members can have some more peace of mind knowing that someone is there to care for their loved ones.
Promoting Aging With Dignity
Older adults who struggle with daily tasks are at risk of developing depression. Depressed individuals can have issues including:
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Caregiver services are designed to help seniors age with dignity and allow them to maintain a sense of control over their lives. The goal is to provide a hand when a senior absolutely needs it. The caregiver should never force themselves upon a senior who feels capable of performing a task alone.
Seniors may value their morning routine, so a caregiver needs to work with them to preserve it. That could mean fading into the background while the individual reads the paper and drinks their coffee.
Senior Wellness Solutions
Many caregivers are equipped to provide basic health monitoring services for seniors. They usually know how to check a person’s blood pressure, monitor blood sugar levels, and help with mobility struggles. You can also rely on a caregiver to know mobility exercises that help encourage seniors to stay active.
By default, caregivers do not need medical licenses. However, there are some who act as nurses for individuals who need assistance at home.
Customized Care Plans
No two seniors need the same kind of care. Every person has their own struggles and capabilities, which is why they receive customized care plans.
A care plan should take into account a person’s health conditions, preferences, and lifestyle. Even if a person struggles to do the dishes, they may consider it an important part of their independence. Someone who has trouble with meal preparation may welcome assistance with grocery shopping.
The right care plan should give an individual as much help as they need without overstepping. They should feel empowered by the caregiver.
Stress Relief for Family
Personal care services aren’t only for seniors. They benefit the family members of seniors by providing some stress relief.
Caring for a loved one can be difficult, especially when you take into account the other various responsibilities of a person’s life. They may struggle to find the time to care for another person, especially if they require full-time attention.
Relying on a professional caregiver means that family caregivers will have some time to focus on their own well-being. Seniors may even need extra attention if their medical condition worsens.
Personal Care for a Better Life
Personal care services are a vital resource for seniors who wish to maintain their independence as they age. It’s also a boon for family members who struggle to provide the level of care their loved ones need. These services are worth it for how much help they provide.
Spring Mill is a dependable senior living community based out of Phoenixville, PA. Our seniors have access to the historic town with a bustling live music scene and Valley Forge National Park. Reach out to learn more and schedule a tour.
