Written By: Michele Bayno BSW, BA
With the significant increase in the number of older people, the requirement for assistance with household chores, shopping and meal preparation, personal care, and dispensing of medication has also been on the rise.
As we age, many of our daily activities become more difficult to manage, and, all of a sudden, our home has just too many challenges:
We all want to enjoy a good quality of life and live independently, so it is understandable that one may not yet be ready for a retirement or nursing home. Now what? What are the options to reduce or eliminate the risks and dangers of remaining in the home? Fortunately, several options exist.
Depending on friends and family for help is one option; however, this may not be enough depending on the amount of help that is required and the number of persons willing to help. Also, given that this type of arrangement can cause friction and stress to the relationship, it may not be the best option for some.
Home Care Services are a great option to consider for the senior who wants to remain in their home, and has many benefits. With a hired caregiver monitoring the safety and attending to the immediate needs of the individual, as well as providing companionship, seniors and their families can have peace of mind. The caregiver can be a live-in or a part-time worker, depending on the
These caregivers can assist with all sorts of daily activities, such as:
The possibilities are endless, and easily customizable according to the need of the individual. If this seems like a good option, such assistance can be hired through a credible Home Care Services agency. I strongly recommend hiring through an agency and avoid hiring someone by putting an ad in the newspaper. In my experience, I have seen too many bad things happen with this type of recruitment. Hiring through an agency will usually cost you anywhere between 17.00$-30.00$ per hour. Shop around, and choose wisely.
I realize that this sort of help can be expensive, and may not be feasible for many. If this is the situation, contact your local community organizations and see what type of help they have to offer. These services are significantly less expensive and usually available on a sliding fee scale based upon annual income. Sometimes these services are available on a volunteer basis, but have long waiting list attached to their services.
A few adaptations may need to be done to the home to make it safe. For example, the bathrooms may need to be adapted for easier access to the tub and toiled. This could mean installing bars in the bathtub, purchasing an elevated toilet seat and installing bars next to the toilet. This type of equipment is available at pharmacies, discount department stores and specialty shops.
If climbing the stairs has become an issue and the risk of falling is significant, a stair lift can be purchased or rented.
Such options can be costly, but check with your insurance company as some policies may cover a portion of home care services or home adaptations.
Many subsidies for home care services, or home adaptations are available to War Veterans, it will be worth calling the Veterans Affair of your district to see if you qualify.
Emergency Response companies offer peace of mind and reduce the danger of a senior not being found in a timely matter after a fall or other health crisis. These services provide the individual with a personal response devices, such as panic buttons that can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, and cost approximately $20.00 per month, plus a minimal subscription or installation fee, depending on the services required.
Edited by Stephanie Thurston