The Benefits of Aging in Place with In-Home Care
As a person gets older, their lives can change greatly. This doesn’t mean that their home has to change as well. Many senior adults look to in-home care providers for assistance which allows them to continue living independently. But what are the benefits?
Independence
Caregivers can provide more stability in a person’s life than most nursing homes. Seniors are able to maintain more independence than they would have otherwise, with in-home caregivers giving them freedom to continue doing certain tasks on their own such as simple cleaning around the house, or taking care of a pet. With more difficult chores handled by a caregiver, the senior adult stays active and involved in their own care, instead of having every little thing done for them. This arrangement allows the caregiver to play a major role in the lives of their clients, and can be very beneficial for seniors’ mental well-being.
Companionship
Having in-home care often allows seniors to have a more satisfying, familiar relationship with their caregiver. Because of this, their daily care is more individualized and they’re able to be comfortable with their caregivers which is beneficial for enjoyment of their everyday life. A caregiver is often not only a provider but also a friend, providing companionship for their senior clients which keeps them engaged, grounded, and oriented. Senior adults can tell their caregivers about their day and how they’ve been feeling. These conversations may seem small, but it is very important to have someone to talk to on a day to day basis. An in-home caregiver can become a big part of that.
Expenses and Stress
Along with all these other benefits, having in-home care is often a more cost-effective option than places like care facilities. These facilities are often very expensive and can quickly drain retirement funds. This isn’t the best option when a caregiver allows a senior adult to age comfortably at home with less of a hassle that will just add to stress. Instead of leaving the place they live - and are comfortable in - just to pay thousands for a care facility, seniors are able to have the care come to them.
A win-win for client and caregiver alike
While the benefits for the senior client are clear, a less-obvious aspect of in-home care is the benefit to the caregiver. Providing in-home care is a great option for many people who want to do meaningful work without being tied to a 9-5 job. Caregivers often thrive on the relationships they build and the services they provide for their clients. Making a difference in the lives of the senior adults and their families, while still being able to participate in their own families’ lives, makes in-home care a rewarding and interesting career for many retirees, moms with kids in school, or others who enjoy staying busy without the pressures and demands of a traditional workplace.
In-home care can make a seniors’ life a lot easier, and caregivers are one of the most influential parts of that. They’re able to be there for a senior when they need it most and contribute to a seniors’ mental health and overall well being.
