Elderly care is a generic term for specialized services that are designed to help older people live as comfortably and independently as possible. These services can range from basic company, household chores, bathing, dressing, and transportation to higher levels of health care. Home care provides compassion and help to those who need assistance with their daily activities. The levels of care vary depending on the needs of the individual and can range from weekly meal preparation to help with incontinence.
Medicaid home and community care is available for those who qualify, and rates for nursing home services are usually paid with funds provided by the elderly person, their family, Medicare, or other outside insurers. Professional home care services for the elderly can make daily life safer and more enjoyable, allowing them to spend their golden years in the comfort of home. Adult day care is also an option for those who need assistance during the day. Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on alleviating the pain and suffering of patients, rather than medical care, whose goal is to cure or treat underlying conditions.
Health aides and nurses assist with personal care tasks, dispense medications, and inform the nurse, therapist, or general practitioner about the health status of the elderly. If you're considering a nursing home for an older adult in your life, be sure to process the decision with them before moving forward. This type of care is often used to allow informal (unpaid) family caregivers to go to work or is used as respite care (temporary care that allows primary caregivers to let go of their caring responsibilities). Your local Visiting Angels home care agency will customize a comprehensive plan based on your loved one's unique needs and living conditions.
Learn how home care can help your loved one and why families across the country have trusted Visiting Angels since 1998 to provide the best home care for older people.