In our last article we looked at the role of Personal Support Workers, and how across Canada there continues to be a growing demand for their services. Much of this demand comes from seniors with care requirements, who choose to retain independent living in their own homes. Having a Personal Support Worker’s assistance at home can greatly enhance a senior’s quality of life. In this article we list some reasons why…
Personal care
An elderly person may find it increasingly difficult to undertake certain aspects of their personal care at home. Home caregivers can step in to help with all aspects of personal care and hygiene, including bathing, dressing and grooming. Assistance with these matters can be a great relief and comfort to an elderly person, as well as helping them maintain their dignity and independence.
Mobility assistance
Seniors with mobility issues may find the most common tasks difficult to do in their own homes. Home caregivers can provide whatever mobility assistance is required, for example transferring an individual from their bed to a chair, using mobility aids, even helping someone as they take their daily walk.
Help with housekeeping
Maintaining a clean and organized home may become challenging for a senior. A home caregiver can step in to help with light housekeeping duties, such as washing up, cleaning and laundry. A clean, tidy, and comfortable home helps lift someone’s spirits and contributes to enhancing their quality of life.
Companionship
Loneliness and social isolation are issues that many seniors can experience in their own homes. Home caregivers not only play a part in providing firsthand care and support to seniors but can also provide much-needed companionship too. This emotional support can play a huge role in improving mental health and overall well-being.
Better health outcomes
Having one-on-one care from a home caregiver can have a hugely positive impact on a senior’s life, as the caregiver’s attention is solely focused on them. The caregiver can keep a close eye on the senior’s health, make sure that they eat nutritionally rich meals and adhere to any medicine and health routines that have been prescribed by professionals.
Lifestyle continuity
A big benefit of having home caregivers is that seniors can continue living their lives, not only in their home, but socially too. Being able to keep connections with their local community and friend groups can be hugely important in maintaining mental well-being. Home caregivers can also accompany seniors outside the home to these social engagements.
Providing stand-in support
Many seniors rely on family members to assist with their care and support. This can lead to seniors feeling over reliant on those family members that are imposing their needs. This is where home caregivers can assist to give family members some respite and alleviate any guilt that seniors may be experiencing.
Tailormade care
Each senior will have their own individual care requirements. Perhaps they just need assistance with getting up and getting ready in the morning, or maybe they need some extra assistance at times to temporarily alleviate care duties from family members. By using home care services, caregivers can be there exactly when help is required to perform whatever care and support activities are needed. A homecare provider can tailor make a care plan that fully meets the unique requirements of an individual.
Closing thoughts
The above demonstrates the many ways that home caregivers can enhance the quality of life for seniors; allowing them to retain their lifestyle and independence. Caregivers can provide so much more than standard care to seniors, but much -needed companionship too. Their role not only assists with physical help, but emotional well-being too.
If you have found the above interesting and feel like you need a little extra help living at home, call Selectacare today on one of the numbers below. Alternatively, please complete our quick online enquiry form and we will reach out to you!