As the Baby Boomer generation ages into retirement, elder care has grown into a large healthcare necessity. Consider these statistics:
- By 2020, 12 million people aged 65 and over will need some form of long-term care.
- By 2040, seniors will be over one-fifth of the American population.
- The fastest growing age group in America is seniors aged 85 and older.
Although a large segment of the aged will be in nursing homes (over 20 percent), many will age at home. Most likely, seniors will not live with their adult children but by themselves.
As most elders desire to live independently, there’s also a growing need for home care assistance. Not only can be mobility issues, there can be mental health issues such as dementia and senility.
While the health care needs of seniors can sometimes be daunting and overwhelming, there are a number of benefits of home care. An in-home caregiver can help promote independence as well as keep your older loved one safe. Many of these home care assistance services and benefits are related to preventing falls, but also help to promote safety overall:
- Fall and Accident Prevention In order to prevent falls, burns, and other sorts of accidents, having in-home care can provide a greater level of home safety for seniors. This could involve exercises, learning how to walk safely in the home, and other activities.
- Safety from Criminals and Abuse By having senior care at home, this reduces the chance of your loved one becoming the victim of criminals—whether it’s due to a break-in, fraud, or kinds of abuse.
- HousekeepingAs mobility issues arise, having home care assistance can help keep a home tidy and safe.
- Medication Safety Home care can help with accidental poisonings and overdosing with medications.
- Preventing Bathroom Hazards An in-home caregiver can help a senior with using the restroom, including with incontinence issues. Caregivers can also help with bathing and showering, which can become difficult or unsafe due to slippery surfaces in the tub or shower.
- Assistance with Beginning and Ending the Day Starting the day can be difficult, with activities such as getting out of bed, and making breakfast. Home care assistance can provide structure for daily routines and activities.
- Help with Wheelchairs Moving in and out of a wheelchair can be difficult. An in-home caregiver can ensure that a senior can safely transfer himself without falling or being hurt.
- Safety-proofing a Home An in-home caregiver can assist with making a home safe from fires, slips, falls and other kinds of dangers.
Providing care for parents who are older can be a challenge, but it’s not a challenge you have to handle on your own. Home care assistance can help keep your older parent safe and give you the peace of mind that your loved one is being looked after.
For home care services in Chattanooga, call CareAssist at 423-875-4254.