Aging is a scary thing for all of us; lost independence, worsening health, and the passing of lifelong friends are all struggles that seniors endure as they reach their elder years. For many, their quality of life goes downhill quickly once they begin to struggle with every-day tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and bathing on their own. In-home care assistance can make a world of difference, and here’s why:
- Independence
Everyone values their independence. Unfortunately, as we grow older, our abilities decline as our needs increase. Rather than be forced to give up their independence by moving in with family or into a facility, in-home nurses can allow seniors to continue living on their own, only with daily support for the tasks they can no longer accomplish on their own. Help with transportation, cleaning, meal prep, and medication management ensures your elderly relative can live alone but still receive the necessary support.
- Social Interaction
Many elderly people face loneliness as one of their toughest burdens, particularly if they have no children or grandchildren. Companionship is incredibly important for anyone, regardless of age, but seniors typically don’t have the same social circles as younger generations. In-home care visits ensure that they still have someone to talk to. Many caregivers specialize in companionship care and will be there specifically for socialization purposes. Seclusion is a burden for many senior citizens, and regular social interaction from a home nurse can make a huge difference in the patient’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Give the Family a Break.
Sometimes when elderly persons need help, they won’t ask for it since they’re more concerned about becoming a burden to their family members. For those that assist their senior relatives, the extra work can be stressful and taxing. Including a home nurse in the care routine of senior family members ensures that you get the break you need without your relative going without the necessary care. Needing a break is completely okay, and having a nurse come in regularly to help with the day-to-day tasks is a great idea to make sure that no one burns out or becomes resentful down the road.