Protecting an Elderly Loved One

Why Consider Personal Care Services For Aging Loved Ones?

by Margie Adams

When a loved one needs more assistance than you can provide, personal care services can help to fill in care gaps. The reasons below are just a few reasons to consider personal care services for loved ones who need more assistance than you can provide on your own.

Allows Loved Ones to Maintain Some Independence

For many elderly and aging people, the idea of leaving their homes is one that is too painful for them to handle. For some, leaving home means giving up large amounts of their independence and autonomy. Bringing personal care services into the home allows your loved one to remain in their home and maintain that feeling of independence much longer.

Provides Customizable Care to Patients

The beauty of personal care services is that they can be customized to the individual needs of patients. Personal care services may include one or more of the following types of care for patients:

  • Direct nursing care.
  • Medication supervision.
  • Vital signs monitoring.
  • Wound care and dressing.
  • Meal preparation.
  • Light housekeeping.
  • Personal care and grooming.

The goal is always to support patients in doing the things they can do themselves while offering assistance for tasks as needed.

Provides Greater Access for Families

When patients have personal care services at home, families are also welcome to come in and provide care at any time during the day or night. This isn't always the case in care facilities, as they likely have visiting hours.

As people age, their socialization needs do not go away. Any time they can spend with family is good, provided it doesn't disrupt sleep or interfere with the medical care they receive.

However, most larger facilities must manage the needs of the many and offer limited visiting hours to accommodate those larger needs. Personal care services at home offer more varied visitation schedules, allowing loved ones to visit at a more relaxed and unhurried pace.

More importantly, personal care services in the home often encourage greater family involvement as the family works together to provide care when home health providers aren't on the job.

The decision to keep a loved one at home isn't always an easy one for families to make. There are many sacrifices involved. The rewards, though, are fond memories for everyone that last long after your loved one has departed this earth. Personal care services allow this opportunity to many families who would not otherwise be able to experience this amazing time together.

For more information about personal care services, reach out to a local service provider, like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living.

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