Aging is an inevitable process. As time goes by, we experience various changes in our bodies and minds. However, some of these changes affect the way we live. This explains why many elderly people live with medical conditions or disabilities that require special attention.
However, not all seniors are fortunate enough to have their family members care for them 24/7. Some of them have children who have families and jobs of their own. As much as they’d love to care for their parents, the lack of time and resources are not making it simple. Who then will look after the needs of their aging loved ones?
This is where elderly care comes in. Elderly care is a type of care service provided to seniors. There are various types of care available, depending on the needs of each elderly individual. But in this blog post, we will be talking about two in particular: Elderly Day Care and In-Home Care.
Elderly Day Care is a type of senior care program provided to seniors during the day. This includes personal care, health care, as well as social activities where aging adults can engage with their peers. To put it simply, an Elderly Day Care is a place where families can leave their elderly loved ones whilst they go to work or tend to their responsibilities.
There is a caregiving staff that will look after the seniors, providing the right care and support that they need. Seniors who have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or any condition that requires a high level of care are welcomed in this facility. Other than receiving support and assistance, they can also spend time in recreational activities that can help keep them physically and mentally active.
Thanks to Elderly Day Care, families can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are safe even during their absence. The daycare program includes various services that are meant to improve the overall well-being of seniors.
Here are the following advantages that come with Elderly Day Care:
Nutritious meals are being provided to ensure that the seniors are eating healthily. Eating healthy is essential, especially since conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and others are common among aging adults. Seniors can enjoy meals that include fruits, vegetables, and protein–all of which compose a balanced diet.
This way, they won’t starve but they get all the nutrition that their bodies need.
Elders constantly need to look out for their health. Monitoring their vitals such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels is important–not to mention, being medically assessed by a doctor every once in a while. Most Elderly Day Care centers have on-call nurses and doctors that can conduct comprehensive medical screenings on their care recipients.
This eliminates the need to visit a hospital or a clinic.
Retirement does not mean being done with life. It’s the time when seniors can finally focus on themselves and try on a new adventure. This can be proven through the activities and events they can enjoy in a daycare. This might open doors to new hobbies and interests that will make their lives more colorful.
Despite old age, seniors have a need to socialize. Doing so will enable them to have a sense of belongingness and will reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety (which sometimes stems from being separated from their family). Being in daycare means meeting other seniors who are probably like-minded or they can share similar interests with.
In-Home Care is an alternative option for seniors who require special care but would rather receive it in their homes. Not all elderly people are keen to stay in a facility where there are other patients. Some of them feel more relaxed being cared for in a familiar environment. This will also make it easier for their loved ones to see them as much as they want to.
The downside of this is that there aren’t enough facilities or equipment that could be essential in an elderly’s medical needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of benefits that come with this type of senior care.
In-Home Care is more complex than just babysitting an elderly at home. This involves around-the-clock care, medical care, companionship, and other types of services that are directed to improving their quality of life. Here’s everything to know about in-home elderly care:
Personal hygiene is extremely important for seniors. However, it can prove to be a difficult task for those who are immobile or bed-ridden. With this service, a caregiver will take on the duty of assisting seniors in taking their baths and dressing.
Being hygienic will make seniors feel better.
To enjoy a longer life, seniors must watch out for what they eat. They can’t be as carefree about their meals as they used to when they were young. The caregiver will be the one to help with preparing their daily meals based on what was prescribed by their nutritionists or dieticians.
Eating healthily will give them the strength they need to fight off or reduce the progression of their diseases.
Some aging adults struggle to move, especially if they’re suffering from a chronic illness or impairment. This can be dangerous, particularly in situations where they have to go to the toilet. Having another person in the house will prevent any possibilities of injuries or accidents from happening.
This might also reduce their frustration on not being able to complete a basic task properly.
A caregiver does not only provide physical support but also emotional one. Getting old is not easy for some and it could further be amplified by the absence of a significant other or a loved one. Having a caring caregiver will lessen a senior’s loneliness. At least, they have someone by their side as they go out or stay in.
Being old and sickly does not give the elderly the time to clean their house. They cannot even take care of themselves–what more an entire household? Fortunately, some in-home care services include mild housekeeping which includes cleaning the house, cooking meals, and doing laundry.
Seniors can finally lessen the load on their shoulders by having someone else help with their chores. Engaging in strenuous activities can also pose a risk for their health.
Taking their medications should be a priority for seniors. This is something that cannot be overlooked which is why a caregiver will help remind them. They can monitor the schedule of their meds so they will not forget it. However, caregivers should not be expected to administer the medications–not unless this was instructed by the care recipient’s doctor.
Is it better to leave your aging loved ones in a daycare or hire a caregiver to take care of them at home? Deciding which one is better depends on your loved one’s needs. Below are some factors to consider in choosing the right care option:
Is your aging loved one struggling to move on their own? Or are they physically able but only need help with the more complex day-to-day tasks? The physical capacity of the elderly will help determine if they need in-home care (e.g. for those who are bed-ridden) or if they are strong enough to move and join in a daycare.
Elderly daycare is good but its hours are limited compared to the other one. In-home care is more suitable for those who prefer 24-hour care and monitoring. But if you only need to leave your loved one during the day as you go to work, a senior daycare is more than enough.
The types of care can differ since the two care options do not have the same environment. If you want your loved ones to thrive and socialize in activities, a daycare would be more appropriate for them. However, if your loved one needs around-the-clock care and one-on-one monitoring, receiving care at home would be much better.
Seniors who want to feel more independent might opt for in-home care. They can move around as much as they want to with only a caregiver helping them with their tasks. In a senior daycare, more staff is around to supervise the seniors and to ensure that they are eating right and taking their medications on time–basically, there is more authority.
The general costs of each care option may vary, depending on the services included. However, the average rate of in-home nursing services can be up to $15 per hour but can go as much as $25 if the senior needs skilled nursing procedures.
Meanwhile, elderly daycare services typically cost between $40 to $60 per day. This includes nursing care, meals, activities, and health screening. If the senior does not require any specialized care, they can pay only $25 per day.
For seniors who come from low-income households, they can seek the support of financial assistance schemes or government subsidies.
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