While an assisted living facility provides everything a senior needs on demand, you may prefer to age in place in your own home. This allows you to retain old routines and freedoms much longer than others do. If you make this decision, you’ll need supportive services to assist with tasks you don’t have the energy or capacity for anymore. These are a few of the services that help seniors aging in place and why they may be good for you.
Companion Care
First up, companion care. This lesser-known option, put simply, recruits another person to keep you company and perform light tasks around the house. The goal here is social and emotional health plus practical help with housecleaning, cooking, and running errands. Your companion caretaker could be a volunteer or paid, depending on the service and what you prefer. This service is best for those with only moderate needs and preserves your freedom.
Food Delivery
If you aren’t ready for companion care but struggle to stand for long in the kitchen, consider a food delivery service. Services range, but all of them promote a senior’s healthy diet by delivering balanced meals right to their door. These food delivery apps have driver tracking software where our seniors can track and anticipate the arrival of their delivery driver. And as the coronavirus pandemic lingers, delivery cuts down on contact from others, lessening your risk of catching anything.
Day Programs
Akin to companion care but away from home, a day program provides seniors an outlet primarily for socialization. Though many programs will present curtailed opportunities as long as the pandemic is a threat, these still give life to people who participate. Activities range from exercise sessions and book clubs to arts and crafts time and more.
Personal Care and Home Health Care
Last on our list of services that help seniors aging in place, personal care and home health care are each good for individuals with significant needs. A personal caregiver assists with dressing, bathing, going to the bathroom, and other daily needs.
While personal caregivers can support general medical goals such as promoting urinary health, an in-home therapist or nurse tends to focus on rehabilitation, medications, and specialized health monitoring. It’s vital to choose an in-home nurse and/or personal caregiver who has the experience or training to address your unique needs if you go that route.
No matter what you need, know that you aren’t alone if you decide on aging in place. There are many paths to receiving the help you need without losing the life you love.