There are many elderly people without any type of companionship. They may have a family to help care for them but often times the family needs a break. They do so many things for the person they care for and are often overwhelmed. Their loved one is not yet at the point to need home health care but a home health aide would definitely do them good. for many things.
Light Cleaning
Once people get to a certain age, they are no longer capable of doing the things that they used to be able to do. Reaching above counters, cleaning baseboards, leaning over into bathtubs, and mopping hardwoods are out of the question. Some of the time, the family of the person will step in to do these types of things but they need a break. This is where a home health caregiver can be of assistance.
Companionship
As elderly people grow older, their spouse or partner may no longer be around. They often become very lonely. A church group or community center can only help so much. These people are used to a companion in their home to help share responsibilities and conversations. A person that can come to their home to fill that gap is key to their mental and emotional health.
Bathing
Some of the light duties required by a health aide is bathing of the elderly. The people that require bathing are ones who are no longer able to care for themselves in that way. This is often a duty that tasks place several times a week that is the aide’s responsibility.
Running Errands
Many times, people are no longer allowed to drive or do not feel comfortable driving. Home aides will often need to be available to run errands for the person or with the person. These errands mostly include things like grocery shopping, visits to the post office, hair appointments, doctors appointments, and dentist appointments.
Laundry
Laundry is another responsibility that elderly people are no longer capable of doing sometimes. The home aide will either be available to wash, fold and put away laundry themselves or find a laundry service for the person they are caring for.
Checking in to home health agencies is a critical part of the responsibility of the family of an elderly person. Finding the right one is an even harder responsibility. After many interviews, make sure you go with the one that fits the values of the loved one and provides the services needed.