Most people don’t consider home care until a crisis hits and family members are left stressed and scrambling to find exceptional care for their loved ones. Often, there is no time for proper vetting when emotions are at an all-time high and time is of the essence. What many don’t know is that home care can actually prevent these types of emergencies from occurring in the first place.
The risk of falling can be minimized if a trained caregiver were present to:
Keep floors clear of clutter
Help with tasks involving climbing, reaching, or walking on unstable ground
Ensure proper diet to prevent dehydration and malnutrition
Ensure all medications are taken
Of course, sometimes hospital visits are unavoidable. When that’s the case, home care also eases the transition back home. Older adults are even more at risk for dehydration, poor nutrition, weakness, and falls during the first 24-48 hours at home.
The Benefits of an At Home Caregiver
Having a caregiver in the home to help a loved one after they return from a hospital stay can help prevent complications, illness, and even readmission to the hospital. Plus, caregivers can drive to follow-up doctor’s appointments, assist with medications, and help with light housekeeping so your loved one can rest as they recuperate. This extra set of hands can help you rest easy knowing your family member is being well cared for, too!
Proactive discussions about the possibility of home care (following a hospital stay or not) can help prevent crises and lessen the stress level when a crisis does occur.