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In the home care space, there are various types of services to choose from. In this blog post, we will talk about personal care, also known as activities of daily living (ADLs).
Personal care aims to help clients maintain hygiene and well-being so they can continue to live at home comfortably. ADLs include dressing, grooming, laundry, and medication reminders. Although these tasks may seem straightforward, they are crucial to helping seniors age in place.
Everyone has different circumstances, and activities of daily living can be extremely difficult. Some clients we work with recently had surgery and need help bathing for a few weeks. Others are becoming less mobile and need help cleaning their living spaces. Some clients need respite care while their primary caregiver takes a break.
One of the most common areas of concern in personal care is hygiene. It is essential to maintain proper hygiene through regular bathing, grooming, and more, to prevent illness. Caregivers can help your loved ones care for their bodies and ensure their well-being.
Personal care is also valuable because caregivers can observe and report changes in physical and mental health. Some seniors may hesitate to ask for help, so having a caregiver regularly visit the home can help identify potential issues early on.
Lastly, there is a human element to personal care. Having a caregiver assist with ADLs provides an opportunity for socialization, which can help prevent declines in mental health. Many seniors experience feelings of loneliness, especially when living alone or when family members cannot visit often.
One of the most common situations when a client comes to us is post-hospital discharge care. After leaving the hospital, clients may not be fully recovered and may struggle with daily tasks. Having extra help at home can make a significant difference and allow the client to focus on their recovery. While some clients have local families to support, this isn’t always the case. Fedelta can provide experienced caregivers, giving families peace of mind especially when they cannot be physically present.
Personal care should also be considered if an individual begins to feel burdened by daily tasks that were once manageable. It’s important to be proactive and recognize when tasks are becoming difficult. Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it’s better to seek assistance early rather than waiting until it’s too late. If your loved one lives pretty independently on their own, we recommend trying personal care on a limited basis to see if it suits your needs. Home care isn’t for everyone, and it’s beneficial to test it out first.
Consider the well-being of the current caregiver team as well! Whether you’re the primary family caregiver and need to travel for work or want to take a vacation, private caregivers can step in during these times. Family caregiver burnout is a real issue, and their health must be considered. If you don’t have family nearby or if they have busy schedules, getting the support you need ensures proper care.
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There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to providing personal care services. Sometimes, family caregivers are more suitable than professional caregivers, depending on the situation. While licensed caregivers may have more experience, family caregivers have an existing familial connection.
Regardless of who provides the care, person-centered care is a fundamental principle at Fedelta Home Care and is widely embraced by home care providers. The client’s best interests should always be the top priority. When interviewing home care agencies, ask them what person-centered care means to them and whether they adhere to this model.
If you are looking for a personal care provider in the Pacific Northwest, we may be able to help! At Fedelta, we believe that living happily, healthfully, and independently is not only possible but practical. Our care team is ready to help you with whatever you’re looking for.
We currently serve King, Snohomish, and Pierce County in Washington and growing! We also offer services in greater Portland.
