How having a Caregiver at home or in-home carer can assist you and your loved one
Have you noticed that your loved one is not coping by themselves as well as they used to?
Perhaps you have been thinking that they need some extra help at home not only for their own safety, but for your own peace of mind too?
Be assured that you are not alone as many families face increasing challenges in providing care for their loved ones as they age. However, you may also be unsure of what services are available and the level of help that may be required.
To assist you with this, we’ve come up with some of the ways in which professional nursing and homecare services can be of benefit to yourself and the person you care for.
Stay in the comforts of home
As people age, the practicality of being able to cope with day-to-day life, even with the help of friends and family, becomes more and more difficult.
A homecare nurse or home help carer can fill in some or all of the gaps needed to provide the proper care required so your loved one can remain in their home and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Having professional assistance at home helps maintain their quality of life, safety and independence. And by respecting the individual’s wishes to continue living at home, the person being cared for can maintain their sense of dignity and self-worth.
Companionship, including travel companionship
Having someone to talk to can reassure the person in need of care that they are not alone and that someone is always there for them. A professional caregiver can not only assist with day-to-day tasks, but can share activities and provide conversation to stave off loneliness and contribute to feelings of self-worth. Travel companionship can also be arranged so that you can travel knowing that you will looked after.
The person you care for can be matched with someone that has the same cultural background, similar values or even the same sense of humour.
Household maintenance-the value of a clean home
Having a clean and uncluttered house is not only hygienic, but it can reduce stress and feelings of depression.
A professional homecare specialist can take care of day to day housekeeping activities such as: washing and ironing, dusting and wiping benches, cleaning toilets, vacuuming, making beds, stocking cupboards and pantries, taking out the garbage, light-gardening and taking the pets for a walk.
In addition, having clean and tidy floors free from tripping hazards can keep your loved one safe which helps give you peace of mind. It’s amazing what a difference even a few hours help a week can make to the quality of life of someone who struggles to cope on their own.
Personal care
Having a nursing and homecare services at home is ideal for those who find it difficult to cope with day-to-day living tasks such as personal hygiene and grooming.
You may know someone who forgets to turn off the gas, is at risk of falling or is prone to wander outside and get lost.
An on-site caregiver can monitor your loved one to make sure that they are safe from harm.
They can be there at all times to help them negotiate stairs or lift them in and out of chairs using the right technique ensuring they are not injured in the process.
A personal care worker can assist with day-to-day personal tasks such as getting in and out of bed, dressing and undressing, bathing, oral hygiene, grooming and going to the toilet.
In addition, a caregiver can prepare healthy meals to suit individual tastes and can assist your loved one with eating so they get the nutrition that they require.
A registered nurse can also assist by taking blood pressure, dressing wounds and administering medication to ensure the best possible health is maintained.
Someone to do the driving
Is your loved one finding it more difficult to drive? Have they lost confidence or don’t like driving at night?
A professional homecare agency can arrange transport for medical appointments, meetings with financial planners, banks or anything else that requires travel from home.
Transport can be provided for social events such as trips to the theatre or bingo which can be especially valuable in maintaining support networks that prevent feelings of isolation.
Your homecare worker can also assist in running errands such as doing the grocery shopping, picking up the dry-cleaning or collecting prescription medication from the chemist.
When you need some respite
If you or someone you know are caregivers, a personal care worker can provide respite so you can live a full and healthy life while the person you normally attend to gets the care they need.
Whether it’s just for a few hours so you can keep appointments and run errands, or for an extended period so you can enjoy a holiday, a professional caregiver can give you the time and space you need to pursue your own life and interests.
Remember if you are not happy then that can adversely affect the happiness of the person you care for, so it is vital you take some time out to look after yourself every once in a while.
Want to find out more?
Colbrow Care is a provider of high-quality, in-home professional nursing and homecare services.
Whether you require someone for a few hours a week or someone to be there 24/7, our professional and friendly staff can explain the options available to you and can tailor a care package specifically to your individual circumstances.
To find out more call 1300 33 11 03 or email homecare@colbrow.com
