When most people think of elderly care, they envision a nursing home or retirement community. However, more and more people are choosing to age in place, which means they receive care at home. There are many benefits to this arrangement, both for the elderly individual, their family, and their community.
Independence
One of the most important benefits of elderly care at home is that it allows the individual to maintain their independence. They can stay in their own home, surrounded by their belongings and memories. This can be a huge morale boost and help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed. This keeps them from being lonely. This also lets them stay in the community they once belonged to, where they can easily meet and interact with people they have known for a long time.
With mobility aids like motorized wheelchairs, an elderly person can also experience more independence. They can go around the community and talk to people, which also helps their mental health.
Cost
Another benefit is that it can be less expensive than other types of care. Nursing homes and retirement communities can be very costly, especially if they are located in desirable areas. Home care is often much more affordable than getting a nurse or carer, especially if it is provided by a family member or friend.
Apart from the monetary cost, other types of care also have a less tangible cost. It can be difficult to trust a stranger to take care of a loved one. When making the decision to put a loved one in the hands of a caregiver, you are entrusting them with our most precious commodity — your loved one’s safety and well-being. It is not easy to hand over that responsibility to someone you do not know, especially if you have doubts about their ability to provide quality care for the amount we are paying them.
Peace of Mind
Finally, elderly care at home can provide peace of mind for both the individual and their family members. Knowing that someone is there to help with activities of daily living can take a lot of stress off of everyone involved. It also helps to know that your loved one is in a place they feel comfortable in. And, should an emergency arise, help is close at hand.
Preparing a Home for Elderly Care
When preparing a home for elderly care, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will need to buy some basic equipment, such as a bed, chair, and toilet seat raiser. Investing in more expensive versions of these will be worth it, especially for elders with more problems; for example, instead of getting an ordinary bed, look for a hospital bed for sale so that you can get a bed with beds and whistles that make getting up, lying down, and other activities easier for the user.
You may also need to purchase medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or oxygen tanks. In addition to purchasing equipment, you will also need to make some modifications to the home. The most important change is to make the home wheelchair-accessible. This includes widening doorways and installing ramps or elevators. These will also benefit you when you are wheeling in other heavy equipment, and items like oxygen tanks.
You should also install grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower. Put non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower to reduce the risk of slipping. Also, make sure that the bathroom is well-ventilated by having a ventilation fan or exhaust fan installed, and you can even invest in a dehumidifier. This help reduce moisture, which if left unchecked can lead to slips and falls. Ensure that there is plenty of lighting in the bathroom, too, so elders can see clearly what they are doing. You must also keep medications, clutter, and other dangerous items out of reach to avoid accidents.
Finally, there are a few safety precautions you will need to take. You should install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, and make sure that all of the appliances are in good working order. You should also keep a first aid kit on hand and create an emergency plan in case of a fire or flood.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering elderly care options for a loved one, don’t discount the option of home care. It comes with many hidden benefits that you may not have considered before. From maintaining independence to providing peace of mind, home care should definitely be on your radar.
