It is rewarding for us to work with families to help an elder loved one continue to live independently. When Fedelta is contacted by families seeking help, we discover that it’s common that many people aren’t aware of the full scope of services available. Here are just some of the services we provide and how they can help your loved one live a more fulfilling life.
One of the greatest benefits of home care is often overlooked – the simple act of connecting with another human being. According to a study conducted by geriatricians and the University of California, San Francisco, 43 percent of seniors report feeling lonely at least some of the time. They also discovered that loneliness can be dangerous to one’s health. In this study, seniors who felt lonely had a 45 percent greater risk of death than those who felt connected to others. Additionally, a different study, conducted at Brigham Young University, shows that the health effect of loneliness is comparable to obesity. An in-home caregiver can provide a source of companionship, someone to talk to, play cards with, or take a trip to the zoo. We’ve discovered that the relationship between caregiver and care receiver become important for both parties, enriching both of their lives.
As we age, many everyday activities, such as dressing and bathing, can become more challenging. An in- home caregiver can help seniors manage day-to-day activities, from medication reminders to assisting with performing a prescribed exercise program, which ensure their safety and security, while allowing them to remain in their home.
Seniors are at a much higher risk for falls and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are the leading cause of injury in the elderly. Falls account for over 70 percent of ER visits for older adults. A care manager can provide an assessment of the home and care needs. They will create a care plan for your loved one, and provide suggestions on how to provide a home environment that reduces the risk for falls. They can also work with your loved one to find other ways to reduce fall risk, such as assisting with a physician-approved exercise program, accompanying them on walks and simply being around to reach for items that are out of the senior’s reach.
If your loved one has a chronic condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes, or is recovering from surgery, we have RNs and LPNs that can provide a variety services including medication administration, insulin injections, wound care, monitoring vital signs and changing dressings. When using our care management services, our Care Managers will be staying in close communication with physicians to ensure compliance with individual health care plans, and can help seniors remain at home while recuperating from surgery or managing a chronic illness.
Home care provides a variety of services designed to increase the well-being of seniors while providing peace of mind to family members. Learn more about the services we offer and how they can help you and your loved one.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2015, IlluminAge
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