Help For The Elderly Living At Home: More Support Needed

As our beloved family members and relatives grow older, it can become more difficult for them to complete their everyday tasks on their own. They may have a physical ailment or disability that makes it harder for them to move around unassisted. They may suffer from a mental deficiency related to old age, like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Whatever the reason, the elderly person can no longer function as well as he was able to previously. Not only is this frustrating for the older adult who is used to his independence, it is also frustrating for the elderly person’s family and relatives who must take on a caregiving role.

Adding the role of caregiver onto an already busy adult life can feel daunting. You may already be working more than one job, taking care of children, or any number of other responsibilities. There is no doubt that you would happily add taking care of an elderly relative into your schedule if you were able, but sometimes this is simply impossible. In this situation, in home assistance for elderly family members may be the ideal solution.

Help Available for Elderly Living Alone

Home help for the elderly, also known as in-home care, generally consists of a non-medical professional that lives in the home with the elderly or homebound person. The in-home caregiver will work with the elderly in their own home, and can assist with a variety of tasks, including cooking meals, assisting with dressing and bathing, making sure medication is taken on time, and even light housekeeping. The caregiver can also accompany the elderly person to doctor’s visits, social outings, or family events, as well as occasionally provide transportation if necessary. With a caregiver providing assistance for the elderly living at home, the elderly person can lead a regular, full life. Family and friends can rest assured that their loved one is being properly cared for by a trained professional.

I have personal experience looking for help for the elderly living at home. When my great uncle needed support to continue living at home, we turned to an in-home caregiver. I cannot stress enough the relief provided by knowing your elderly relative is in good hands. Before my great uncle had a caregiver, he would frequently call my mother for assistance, sometimes even in the middle of the night. He would forget to take his medication, and once even fell and it was several hours before anyone knew. Having an in-home caregiver was a huge relief for my mother and the rest of the family who no longer had to worry about my great uncle falling, or getting sick and forgetting his pills, or missing a doctor’s appointment because he could no longer drive. The peace of mind for us, and for my uncle who was much less lonely now that someone else was in the house, was worth every penny. The caregiver was even able to accompany him to the hospital when necessary to stay with my uncle and keep my mother and the rest of the family members informed about what was happening. Caregivers provide support for elderly adults living at home, and are a blessing to those in need.

If you are in a situation where more support is needed for elderly people living alone, and you need the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are taken care of, look into in-home caregiving. It is the perfect solution for both you and your elderly loved one.