Tag Archives: Caregiver

The benefits of 12-hour eldercare services

Home Attendant Care 12-hour careWhen seniors and their adult children begin to consider long term care, they often think their only choices are to move to an assisted living facility or to move into a family member’s home.

Some older adults, though, also have an option to age-in-place with personalized care at home. For those seniors, 12-hour companion and caregiver services provided in their own home can be a perfect alternative.

Eldercare services at home help seniors live independently by assisting with daily errands, getting ready for bed at night, or simply offering companionship to prevent elder loneliness – professional caregivers can provide the long term care seniors need.

“Our caregiver arrives each evening to help with personal care at bedtime, offers assistance as needed throughout the night, and then helps with dressing and breakfast in the morning.  They also help my wife monitor and track her diabetes. This service is valuable because it allows me to get a good night sleep so I am refreshed and ready to spend time with my wife, and provide care to her during the day.”  John, Spouse of Home Attendant Care Client

At-home caregivers take care of tasks that become difficult for seniors to do as they age. 12 hour shifts during daylight hours are great for seniors who need help with transportation to doctor’s appointments, cooking, exercise monitoring, and even light housekeeping.

12 hour shifts at night can be beneficial for those who need assistance with bathing, medication management and safely getting in and out of bed.

Family, friends and neighbors may not always be available to help seniors age in place. When long term care assistance is needed at home, consider hiring professional caregivers to help with the daily living tasks that allow seniors to maintain the life they’ve grown accustomed to…in their own home.

Home Attendant Care provides long term care services to elders in Whatcom County, Skagit, Island, San Juan, & North Snohomish Counties. Contact us to learn how we can help your elderly parent or loved successfully age in place.

Combating Elder Loneliness

ImageIs loneliness a concern you have for a parent or an elderly friend? A recent study conducted by the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago showed that elder loneliness can actually be just as detrimental to seniors as other health problems.

At Home Attendant Care, combating elder loneliness is a goal we strive to work towards – because we see firsthand how regular, consistent socialization can have a positive impact on the lives of NW Washington seniors who are aging in place.

In today’s busy world we can’t always be with our loved ones to provide all of the companionship they need, but there are ways to prevent loneliness in their life even when you’re not around. Here are some tips and suggestions:

• Enroll elders in continuing education courses at a local community college, hospital or local senior centers. Not only will this give them the opportunity to connect with others and have conversations, but the classes will keep their mind active. The feelings of accomplishment upon completing a course can also be highly beneficial.

• Get a pet. Dogs and cats are great pets for seniors; fish or birds can also have a positive effect (and they are easier to care for). Not only does a pet offer companionship, studies have shown that having a pet can actually lower blood pressure.

• Find a social circle that meets regularly, such as a church group or book club. Again, this is a great way for elders to connect with their peers.

• Urge other family members or friends to reach out to your loved one. This can be as simple as suggesting they send a greeting card, drop off a meal or simply call to chat for a bit each week. Just knowing that someone is thinking about them can be incredibly beneficial for senior citizens.

• Lastly, consider hiring a part-time caregiver for companionship and socialization. Professional caregivers help combat elder loneliness, monitor medications and check on the overall safety and well-being of seniors who live alone.

Contact Home Attendant Care to learn how our experienced caregivers can help your loved one live a full, active and engaging life from the comfort of their own home.