If you’ve ever spent time as an inpatient in the hospital, you remember how badly you just wanted to be discharged so you could get home to shower and sleep in your own bed. Your mood improved the minute you entered your home. You slept better than you could in the hospital, and the food was likely better. For many, there’s nothing like feeling safe and secure within your own four walls.
Losing the ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting and feeding is overwhelming to seniors. The loss of independence is hard to comprehend, and whatever the prognosis, decisions will need to be made regarding short and long-term health care options. Many seniors choose to remain in their homes and accept assistance from a caregiver. Whether the caregiver is a loved one or a trained professional, the benefits of living at home are noteworthy.
Live a Longer, Fuller Life
Studies have shown that life expectancy is increased for elderly patients who decide to live at home with a caregiver providing additional support. Receiving health care in their home improves the healing process, as they tend to sleep and eat better where they’re more comfortable.
Maintain Independence
Living at home allows seniors to have an active voice in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household. They feel needed and independent. Working with a caregiver at home allows seniors to engage in activities that promote healing, which furthers their independent function.
Communication Skills Remain Sharp
Being relaxed and in their own home helps seniors keep calm and willing to engage in conversation. Confidence is boosted by familiar surroundings. Speaking regularly promotes brain function and the ability to retrieve and share memories.
Reduces Trips to the Emergency Room
Seniors who live alone are at higher risk for falls, medication mix-ups, dehydration and poor nutrition. They are at a high risk for frequent visits to the ER as a result of not being able to manage their own health. An in-home caregiver provides supervision for mobility and transfers to assure safe movement within the home. They oversee medication dosages to keep prescriptions filled and taken on schedule. Caregivers monitor fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Seniors being cared for at home enjoy familiar, home-cooked meals which appeals to them so they eat better and healthier.
Saves Money
Polls reflect that seniors fear outliving their money more than anything else. With life expectancies higher than they were 20 years ago, many seniors don’t think they have the assets necessary to live comfortably for the rest of their life. There is certainly a great need for the services provided at Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities for the senior population. However, those services are not required by everyone. In-home health care is an effective and cost-saving option. Facility costs include many amenities that do not appeal to every resident, and care is provided 24/7. In-home care is very flexible with much lower hourly or monthly rates.
Champion Home Health provides the perfect amount of assistance each senior requires. Contact us today at 321-608-3838 to discuss available healthcare options that will keep your loved one happy and healthy.
