If your parent or elderly relative requires additional assistance with daily tasks, you might be considering home health care services. Since maintaining the loved one's well-being is a top priority, it's important to understand what these services encompass. Consult the frequently asked questions and answers below to learn more about home health care services. 

Questions About Home Health Care, Answered

How does home health care differ from assisted living?

Loved ones who want to age in place prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible. When this is the case, you will likely need to hire an aide to care for your loved one at home. The professional will prepare meals, clean up the home, and run errands, in addition to maintaining the well-being of your relative. 

When loved ones can't age in place at home, their families usually consider relocating them to a residential setting where nurses and trained staff can properly care for them. While these residential settings offer independence, residents are offered meticulous health and personal care services. 

What types of duties do caregivers provide?

Home health care professionals provide an array of services depending on the relative's needs. For example, a caregiver who is responsible for someone with limited mobility may clean clutter off the floor. This will reduce slip- and trip-and-fall accidents, as well as provide a clear path for a wheelchair user to easily navigate the home. 

A caregiver who is responsible for a loved one who has diabetes may prepare healthy meals. They'll carefully create meals that follow the loved one's dietary restrictions and limit sugar intake. All caregivers provide companionship, which is an invaluable benefit that will boost the senior's mood and enhance their social skills. 

How can I tell it's time to hire a caregiver?

If your relative lives by themselves, they're likely experiencing feelings of loneliness. If they voice that sentiment, consider discussing hiring a professional caregiver for companionship. Other signs that your loved one may benefit from in-home care include difficulty preparing meals, bathing, or grooming. A significant sign is mobility issues that interfere with their safety–such as constant tripping due to dragging their feet or inability to bend down to pick items off the floor. 

How do these professionals support independent living?

If your loved one doesn't want to relocate to an assisted living facility, they likely want to retain as much independence as possible. An in-home caregiver can provide a sense of independence, as they'll only complete tasks that are necessary without hovering over the loved one. For example, if your relative prefers alone time for reading, the caregiver will honor that and step into an adjacent room. This will allow them to keep a close watch while maintaining a respectful distance. 

Aging in place also boosts your loved one's confidence, as their decision to stay home is being honored. They'll feel comfortable in a familiar environment, boosting their happiness. 

Aging in place is graceful and provides loved ones with independence. The thoughtful caregivers at Deer Valley Home Health Services ensure that elderly loved ones in the St. Louis, MO, Metro area are well cared for. This agency provides in-home care services that include grooming, bathing, and meal preparation, as well as companionship. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website. Call (314) 355-3679 to schedule an appointment.