If you’re like most seniors, you want to continue aging comfortably in place right at home for as long as possible. But maintaining that independence can be hard when you live alone, have a chronic health condition or maybe a memory that’s not as sharp as it used to be. For many independent seniors remaining at home eventually requires some outside assistance. If you don’t have any friends or relatives nearby to provide the support that’s needed, another option at your disposal is professional home care. Here’s how to know when it’s the right time for home care.

Why Seniors Choose to Stay in Their Home 

Every independent senior has a unique set of circumstances and reasons why they want to stay in their home. Here are some of the more common ones:

  • Emotional ties to the family home
  • The physical and emotional stress of moving
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Anxiety about leaving friends and neighbors behind
  • Fear of losing their freedom and independence

Making the tough decision on whether-or-not to stay in your home isn’t easy. The average cost of an assisted living facility is $4,000 per month. Monthly nursing home fees could run as much as $8,300. And who wants to move in with their adult children?

What is Senior Home Care?

Senior home care, or in-home care, refers to non-medical services that are provided by trained professionals so that you can remain living independently in your own home. Home care aides typically assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), like personal hygiene, meals, housekeeping, medication reminders and transportation. These are activities that a senior might otherwise have trouble performing on their own.

For added security and peace of mind, when choosing a “personal assistant” many seniors- including some of your neighbors- turn to licensed home care agencies.

Could I Benefit from Home Care?

For most seniors, the decision to hire an in-home assistant is not an easy one. Here’s how to determine if it’s the right time for home care for you:

Personal care

If it’s getting harder to bathe, wash your hair or get dressed, you would probably benefit from home care. If walking, climbing stairs or getting out of bed are difficult for you, a personal assistant can make a world of difference when you want to be a part of the world.

Meals

When you’re not eating nutritious foods- or eating much at all- because it’s simply too hard to prepare meals or shop for food, it might be time for some home care. In addition to preparing light meals and helping with groceries, a professional caregiver can also provide feeding assistance if needed.

Transportation 

Not being able to drive anymore can be a serious blow to your independence and self-esteem. In addition, staying active and getting to your doctor’s appointments, the gym and social activities is important for your continued wellbeing. Most home care agencies provide safe and reliable transportation for their clients.

Daily chores

Are you falling behind on daily chores like laundry, housecleaning or paying bills? A personal assistant can help you with all those responsibilities so that you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you get up in the morning!

Medication reminders

Senior memory lapse “moments” are not unusual, but not taking your meds as prescribed can place you at risk for more serious health problems. An in-home caregiver can remind you to take your meds and even help you get your prescriptions refilled when it’s time.

Loneliness

Are physical ailments keeping you from socializing like you used to? Social isolation leads to loneliness and depression. Additionally, an unfortunate event like the COVID-19 pandemic makes being around others even more difficult. A personal assistant can provide you with much-needed companionship while taking a walk together, learning a new hobby or just carrying on a meaningful conversation.

Compassionate In-Home Care for Seniors in Alabama

Finding a professional home caregiver for your aging in place loved one can be stressful with all the choices out there. Put your mind at ease by contacting Seniors Prefer Homecare. Families have been placing their trust in SPH for many years now because we’re a fully licensed and insured home care agency. We also carefully screen and train our caregivers beforehand so they can keep seniors aging safely and comfortably. All in a place right where they want to be.

While in the home, our compassionate caregivers can perform services including personal hygiene, light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation and companionship. And, all our family trusted amenities can be individually combined within an affordable package that’ll restore your peace of mind! For more information about Seniors Prefer Homecare, or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today, please visit us now at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.