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We are experiencing  the aging process everyday no matter our age so we had better make the best of each day. For those of us further along that journey who have cared for a parent, sibling, partner, friend, husband, wife, child, uncle, aunt, grandparents, or worked in a home as a caregiver, the expectation that we may need our own home care attendant some day may cause worry and anxious moments. Why is this necessary and what if we had some guidance on how to navigate the territory?

Requiring the help of an in home caregiver in your home, in an assisted living facility, hospital setting or memory care is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This is the result of a number of factors.

• First, the aging population with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rising cost of healthcare will drive the demand for the extra hands. The various health providers are just not able to provide the long term care needed as people age, while many families and individuals prefer to have their own personal caregiver.
• Second, families are just not equipped to care for loved ones at home for a variety of reasons. Maybe they are raising their own children and there isn't enough space. Working single parents and two parent households simply cant keep up with someone for example with a form of dementia where family is told the person cannot be left alone.
• Thirdly, you may chose independent living which later will be assisted living and where you may need the extra help. Facilities which house the elderly  are increasingly cutting back on services and staff. So many families are electing to have a caregiver if just for a few hours per day or per week visit with their loved ones to help them out or just talk with them.
• Some families just don't want their loved ones in a hospital setting all by themselves when hospitalized. Therefore, they will elect to have 24/7 homecare aides stay by their loved ones side the entire time of their hospital stay.

Our aging population is one of the most significant drivers of the demand for home health companions. The number of people aged 65 and older is projected to grow from 46.2 million in 2019 to 88.5 million by 2050. This growth will put a strain on the healthcare system, as many older adults will need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating. As individuals age more needs are added each day without you even noticing the progression.

• Many families elect to have 24/7 care for their loved until their final moment where caregivers will feed you if you are too weak to hold your utensil or your hands shake so much you cannot get the food to your mouth.
• Additionally, patients are being  sent home with apparatus formerly handled in a hospital setting expected to be operated by family caregivers with minimal training. You will perhaps need a caregiver from an agency who has already had experience in using these apparatus.
• Caregiving is stressful and family can do but so much without requiring some outside help. You will need respite help, if you are the family caregiver. This is where you get a caregiver to relieve you for a few hours per week so you can take some time for your self.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can make it difficult for people to perform ADLs independently. As the number of people with chronic diseases increases, so too will the need for home health companions to provide assistance. We will need to learn how to hire agencies who will send us caregivers, learn how to hire private caregivers on our own if we do not like the agency personnel, and learn how to appreciate those caregivers who come into our homes to help us.

 

The rising cost of healthcare is another factor that is contributing to the demand for home health companions. The cost of long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, is very high. While home health companions can also be costly they provide a more affordable option for people who need assistance with ADLs. If you are able to build rapport with your caregivers from an agency or a private caregiver you hire yourself, life can be so much more livable. Caregivers (the good ones) are a special breed. They come in and want to do everything to make you feel comfortable while they in turn feel accomplished after having provide excellent care for you. Remember to thank them. 

Home health companions can also provide a number of other benefits, such as:

• Increased safety and security: Home health companions can help to ensure that older adults are safe and secure in their homes. They can check on them regularly, make sure they are taking their medications, and help them with tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Medication Reminder https://amzn.to/3UdFTk3 
• Improved quality of life: Home health companions can help to improve the quality of life of older adults by providing companionship and support. They can help them to stay active and engaged, and they can provide emotional support during difficult times.
• Reduced caregiver burden: Home health companions can help to reduce the caregiver burden on family members and friends. This can be especially helpful for families who have multiple older adults in need of care.

 

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, home health companions can also provide a number of other important services, such as:

• Transportation: Home health companions can help older adults get to and from doctors appointments, run errands, visit friends and family.
• Medication management: Home health companions can remind and monitor older adults with taking their medications on time and correctly.
• Personal care: Home health companions can help older adults with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks.
• Light housekeeping: Home health companions can help older adults with light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. Heavy cleaning is best left to the professional Housekeeping Help and Cleaners.
• Meal preparation: Home health companions can help older adults prepare meals or deliver meals from a meal delivery service. Many people elect to have their meals already prepared by the array of choices but need help with microwave and stove use.
• Companionship: Home health companions can provide companionship and social interaction to older adults who may be isolated or lonely. Caregivers! Put the phone down for a moment and converse with the older adults. Most if not all have led interesting lives having stories that you can learn from whether they were highly educated or not.
• Lack of family support: Many older adults do not have family members or friends who are able to provide them with the care they need. Home health companions can help to fill this gap.

Home health companions can be a valuable resource for older adults and their families. They can help to ensure that older adults are safe, healthy, and happy in their own homes. They can assist those with technology issues to navigate the online forest. Make no mistake though the older generations can be quite savvy with their phones. Many  90+ have Android and iPhones.  Their grand children most of the time are happy to show them how to use it so they can send pictures of their activities for grandparents to proudly announce.

If you are considering hiring a home health companion, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure the caregiver is properly trained and qualified.
• Follow up on good referrals from people who have already worked with the caregiver.
• Interview the caregiver and ask about their experience and qualifications.
• Check the caregiver's references.
• Set clear expectations with the caregiver.
• Have the caregiver tell you their expectations as well.
• Communicate regularly with the caregiver.
• Never not pay your private caregiver. They rely on their pay to just get to work and keep their phones working at the minimum. If you are with an agency those agencies will make sure that they are paid.. Be sure to treat your private caregiver the same way by paying them on time.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you can find a qualified and trustworthy home health companion who will provide the best possible care for your loved one. Build a good long-lasting, trustworthy relationship.