As we grow older and become elderly, we may find that we require access to an increasing number of healthcare services. Our general levels of mobility and fitness may begin to decline, and we might suffer from progressive or degenerative illnesses that affect our ability to live a truly independent life. In such circumstances, we are faced with the option of whether to move into a nursing care home, or stay where we live, and receive specific forms of homecare services.
This article describes some of the main homecare services on offer to the elderly, to improve their quality of life and ensure they stay as safe and healthy as possible.
After an operation or hospitalization
Senior citizens may require hospital treatment after a slip, trip or fall, that leaves them with significant injuries. Some health conditions that effect the elderly, may also require treatment or hospitalization, until their condition stabilizes and they are able to be sent home. Once they are back at home, there may be a need for professional homecare services such as those provided by cooperative home care. This can be an instrumental in ensuring that they continue to make a full recovery, and are able to cope, once they are back in their home environment.
Homecare professionals may also be able to undertake dynamic risk assessments of the home setting for the elderly, to ensure that they have adequate equipment for their mobility and safety. This may include identifying the need for items such as, lightweight wheelchairs, to enable the elderly to move around securely in their homes, or shower chairs, to minimize the risk of falling, while taking a shower.
To provide support for dementia patients
Dementia is a chronic condition of the mind, where people gradually lose their ability to remember, think properly or make decisions, to the point where it impacts on their everyday life. Living with dementia can be challenging as sufferers may find that they forget where they are, misplace common items and may have difficulty remembering what they were doing. People with this progressive condition, can become agitated and confused more often, and may be frustrated by their inability to perform certain tasks.
For some dementia sufferers, you can hire the dementia care facilities to be able to live a happy and safe home life, with the support of professionally trained dementia care nurses and care staff. These healthcare professionals can make regular visits to the home of a person with dementia to ensure that they are coping and that their needs are being adequately met.
24-hour care services
For elderly patients with a range of health and social care needs that they can no longer address themselves, the use of 24-hour home care services, may be an ideal option to consider. This allows healthcare professionals to assist senior citizens with a variety of tasks and activities throughout the day. This can include assistance with washing and dressing at both ends of the day, meal preparation, and supervision to ensure that the right medication is taken at the right time.