Most seniors would readily choose to remain in their homes as their preferred option, when needing health care which can’t be provided to them by themselves or family members. This could be after surgery which requires rehabilitation, or there could be some other situation which requires occasional or full-time supervision. If you’re considering home health care for your senior loved one, here are some of the most important things to know about the service.
1. Home health care benefits many people, not just the home-bound
Many people have the mistaken idea that home healthcare only applies to bedridden invalids, but the truth is far different than this. Instead, home healthcare can be ideal for seniors who are adjusting to significant new medications, for those who are unable to manage household activities, those experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, and for those who are unable to safely navigate around the home without assistance. Home care is also ideal for persons who require physical therapy or some kind of skilled nursing care, and possibly even speech therapy.
2. Home health is designed with the comfort in mind
One of the most important aspects of home healthcare is that it allows a senior to remain at home, where more than 90% of them prefer to be. Home surroundings are always the most comforting and memorable to a senior, often being the site of many years of memories with loved ones. Once a home caregiver has had the opportunity to work with your senior loved one, they can quickly identify favored habits and preferences which can be accommodated. At the same time, any physical or mental needs can also be addressed, so as to develop a care plan tailored to the individual.
3. Home health is both medical and non-medical – complete care
It’s much easier in a home setting to address all the needs of a person requiring care, which is the holistic approach to caregiving. Virtually all aspects of a senior’s daily routine can be assisted in some way by a competent caregiving professional, and the caregiver can also serve as a monitor of the senior’s daily health and wellness status. Medications can be scheduled and taken on time under the supervision of a qualified caregiver. The healthcare professional can also recommend nutritional meals and help to prepare them, and can encourage as much exercise as the senior individual is capable of.
4. Not all agencies are created equal – look for full-service
As you might expect, all healthcare agencies and organizations are not the same, just as all home caregivers are not the same. Before signing up for services for your senior loved one, be sure to find out whether or not an agency is certified for home care giving, and that their employees have been adequately screened, so that you can trust the professional service you’ll be receiving. Make sure to do your homework and research a healthcare organization which you are considering for home care service, so that you don’t get unpleasantly surprised sometime in the future.
5. It shows when a home health agency truly cares
When you find a home healthcare agency that really cares about your senior loved one, and goes the extra mile to make sure that their health and wellness are truly of concern, you’ll know it right away. You’ll be able to tell by the way a caregiver interacts with your loved one, the kind of companionship which is provided, the way your loved one responds to a caregiver’s company, and your loved one’s general demeanor during the period of caregiving. If your parent is doing well and is happy under the supervision of a specific home care provider, that’s probably the best indicator that great care is being extended.
Caregiving help for your loved ones
When the health and wellness of your senior loved ones are at stake, you really want the best possible in-home care, and that means you should have MD Home Health professionals involved. Contact us at MD Home Health for the best home health agencies Phoenix, to be sure that your loved ones are receiving the full attention of caring professionals, right in the comfortable surroundings of their own home.