If your aging loved ones in Fort Wayne are like most, they want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. And although that’s an admirable goal, over two-thirds of aging-in-place seniors eventually require elderly care to remain independent.
When that time comes, families face hard decisions regarding where that care will take place. If you’re still “on the fence” as a family caregiver, read on to learn why professional senior home care is the right choice when your loved ones’ health and well-being weigh in the balance.
How Aging at Home Benefits Seniors in Fort Wayne
Seniors who receive home care often reap these advantages as a result:
Familiarity and Comfort
One of the primary advantages of aging at home is the familiarity and comfort that come with living in a familiar environment. Because most seniors spend years or even decades in their homes, the familiar surroundings often provide a sense of security and comfort that’s hard to duplicate in a new and unfamiliar setting.
Independence
Aging at home can help seniors maintain a greater degree of independence they might not otherwise have in an assisted living facility or nursing home. While receiving home care, elderly adults can continue to manage their daily routines and make their own decisions about how they want to spend their time, minus the constraints that come with living in a communal environment.
Personalized Care
Home care also empowers seniors by providing them with personalized care and one-on-one attention. Seniors and their families can work closely with caregivers to develop a care plan specific to their needs, rather than having to conform to the routines and schedules of an elder care facility.
Cost Savings
Paying for any type of long-term elder care takes creativity. Although it may require costs associated with home modifications in addition to professional caregiving services, the overall costs of home care may be lower than those of an assisted living facility.
Support Network
When seniors age at home, they can continue to rely on the support of family, friends, and neighbors. While serving on your loved one’s caregiving team, these familiar faces can offer emotional support, companionship, and daily living assistance.
Quality of Life
Research indicates that seniors who age in place often report a higher quality of life than those who move into assisted living facilities and nursing homes. This phenomenon is likely due to the sense of independence, familiarity, and comfort that can only come while living in one’s own home.
Adaptable Environment
Unlike other senior living options, you can complete home modifications that make your loved ones’ environment safer and more accessible by updating the bathroom or installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts. Seniors can also personalize their living space to their liking, which may improve their emotional well-being and mental health.
Lower Risk of Infection
Communal elder care environments can be breeding grounds for illnesses and infections. Seniors who age at home can reduce their exposure to germs, something that’s notably important during flu season or a pandemic like COVID.
Diet and Nutrition
For one reason or another, many seniors don’t eat as they should. Aging in place will also allow your loved ones to maintain better control over their diet and nutrition. They can continue to prepare their own meals or work with a professional caregiver to create a healthy meal plan that meets their dietary needs and preferences.
Socialization
Socialization is essential for people of all ages, including seniors. While aging at home, your loved ones can maintain an active social life by participating in local events and activities, visiting friends and family, or connecting with others in their community.
How to Choose the Best Home Care Agency in Fort Wayne, IN
Once you’ve decided to start professional in-home care, here’s how to hire the best provider for your aging loved ones:
Reputation
Do your research by seeking referrals from friends, family, and healthcare providers. Look for providers that are licensed and accredited, and check their Google reviews, client testimonials, and ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services
Some home care providers only offer basic personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping services, while others provide more specialized care, such as physical therapy or Alzheimer’s and dementia care. A reliable way to narrow your search is to consider the services your loved ones need and find an agency that provides them.
Caregiver Qualifications
Determine if the agency hires caregivers who are qualified and experienced. Ask them about their hiring and training practices and what kind of background checks they perform. And finally, ensure the agency has a system for matching caregivers with clients based on their needs and personalities.
Flexibility
Look for a flexible provider that can accommodate your loved ones’ changing needs. For instance, if your loved one needs more care during an illness or after a hospital stay, a reputable agency should be able to adjust their services accordingly.
Communication
Choose an agency that values communication and keeps you informed about your loved ones’ care. Ask how they communicate with clients and caregivers, and how often they provide updates. Be sure the provider also has a system for addressing concerns or complaints.
24/7 Availability
Find out if the agency offers around-the-clock care, and whether they have caregivers and supervisors available on weekends and holidays. While you’re at it, ask them what their policy is for handling emergencies and last-minute requests.
Cost
It’s also key to find an agency that offers affordable rates. Ask for a detailed breakdown of their fees and charges, and also be sure you understand their billing policies. In addition to private pay, do they accept payment methods like Medicaid, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance?
Quality of Care
Arguably the most crucial factor when choosing a senior home care agency, quality of care matters. Choose a provider committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that seamlessly aligns with your loved ones’ needs.
Family Trusted In-Home Care for Seniors in Fort Wayne
When you need home care, look no further than Senior1Care in Fort Wayne. We are a fully licensed and insured provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Personal Care, Companionship, Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Recovery Care, and Light House Keeping .
While assisting clients in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Elkhart, our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit Senior1Care.com online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.
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