SR Health Guide BODY & INSERT 2018

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any older adults wish to remain in their own homes where a lifetime of memories brings them familiarity and comfort. As the years progress, family members may notice that once-simple daily activities have become more challenging for their loved one. Difficulty in consistently maintaining the household or an increasing neglect for one’s own hygiene and personal needs are not uncommon. A little companionship and support may be all that is need- ed to remedy the situation. The answer could be a non-medical homecare solution. Caregivers pro- viding these services are available to assist others with daily tasks to help them remain healthy and indepen- dent, wherever they call home, for as long as possible. Non-medical homecare agencies can provide caregivers who help oth- ers with daily living activities. These tasks may include, but are not limited to: light housekeep- ing, assistance with meal planning and preparation, shopping and errands or companionship and other supportive services. Caregivers from homecare agen- cies can also remind their clients to take their regularly scheduled medications which the family or nurse has set up. In addition, they can supervise self care, or accompany clients to the grocery store, appointments and other engagements. Some companies can also provide direct personal care. This extends services to include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and inconti- nence care. Non-medical homecare ser- vices can be provided by a variety of different types of companies. Some companies offer a wide range of medical and non-medical services, while others specialize exclusively in non-medical home

cies are handled and if they can pro- vide fill-ins in case of a caregiver’s absence. Ask many questions and request references! A good company will assist you in reviewing the different home care options in your community. Most companies will provide an initial meeting (sometimes for a fee) with the client and family to learn about their needs and explain the range of services available to them. The client, family and agency then create a plan of care that best meets the individual needs of the client. Depending on the company, service can be available on a limited, hourly basis or could be provided up to twenty-four hours a day. Allowing a senior to live at home in familiar surroundings is always a

care. There are also contract reg- istries who will find a caregiver for you; however, they typically do not assume payroll, tax or insur- ance responsibilities. It is very important to be cautious when inviting someone into the home of a loved one. You should know how caregivers are screened and trained, and if the employer pro- vides insurance and assumes responsibility for payroll and taxes; if they do not, you could be held responsible! A good company will make clear exactly where each party’s responsibilities lay, so be sure to ask. Inquire how emergen- H OME C ARE / N ON -M EDICAL

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