If you need to take a break from caregiving, in-home respite care may be right for you and your aging parents. Whether you need help for a single day, an entire weekend, or longer, an in-home care agency can offer you and your loved ones numerous options. Here are some ways in-home respite care can benefit your parents.
Companionship Care
Even though your parents may be physically and psychologically able to take care of themselves when you’re not there, they may become socially isolated or depressed unless they have the company of a compassionate companion who can socially engage them and help out as needed. The in-home respite caregiver can schedule social activities, such as visits with family and friends, and take your parents to movies, restaurants, and senior citizen centers. Without companionship and social engagement, seniors can become socially isolated and anxious.
Personal Care
In addition to helping out with household chores and meal preparation, a respite caregiver can help your loved ones with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. An in-home caregiver can remind your parents to take their medications, and a properly trained caregiver can help your parents transfer from beds to chairs and assist with exercises recommended by physical or occupational therapists.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Post-Hospitalization Care
After one of your parents gets discharged from the hospital, he or she may need monitoring when you’re not there. An in-home respite care professional can ensure your loved one stays comfortable and safe while recovering at home. Respite caregivers can monitor for signs and symptoms of infection, medication side effects, and signs of serious illness. A caregiver can also prevent falls and injuries in the home, take your loved one to physical therapy appointments, and ensure your parent consumes a healthy diet and stays hydrated so dehydration doesn’t develop.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care services, Montgomery, AL, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Care in a Familiar Environment
If one of your parents has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, in-home respite care may be a good option. If your parent goes to another family member’s home while you’re away, he or she could become anxious and depressed. Seniors with cognitive impairment enjoy routines and familiarity, and being allowed to stay in their homes with respite caregivers keeps them from having to be in unfamiliar surroundings. Because changes in daily routines can trigger aggressive behavior in those with Alzheimer’s, any deviation from your parent’s normal schedule could cause him or her to become upset and physically combative.
For families living in Montgomery, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.