Home Health Care for the Elderly

Advances in technology and medicine and increased awareness of better diet and health care techniques have resulted in people living longer. Health care costs also are higher, and for some elderly people the only choice is to remain at home regardless of their health status. This can be a positive experience for aging people who remain at home and the family and staff who become members of their home care team. It also offers some unique challenges.

Today seniors are at home later in life.

Considerations

Good nutrition is very important with the elderly

When you think about home health care for the elderly, your main goal is to ensure that they have home environment that meets all their needs. This includes good nutrition, meeting daily healthy, hygiene and nutritional needs, and ensuring ongoing, consistent contact from family, friends and health care professionals.

Safe Environmnent

Evaluate the safety of the bathroom for the senior

Evaluate the home environment. Remember the physical and mental limitations the senior has. If balance and mobility are a concern, consider evaluating specific areas. Are there steps with handrails? Does the bathroom have rails by the toilet and sink? Do you need a bench for the tub/shower? Carpeting and throw rugs can make mobility hazardous. Furniture should be placed to allow movement with walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Lighting should be good day and night. Remove any cord hazards.

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Activities of Daily Living

Assess the senior's ability to cook.

Nutritional needs of the elderly are important. Poor balance or motor skills can limit cooking. Orientation or memory deficits mean no stove use. Home-delivered meals are possible. The local senior community center can help. Many grocery stores offer home delivery if needed. Discuss meal planning with the senior.

Bathing and dressing are daily skills that may prove challenging. A home health aid or occupational therapist can assess these abilities. Make sure the tub has anti-skid pads. A bath bench for the shower area or raised toilet seat can be purchased at a medical supply store or pharmacy. Consult your doctor about a prescription based on the diagnosis. Medicare may cover these costs.

Medications

Review all of the medications being taken

Many senior citizens use multiple medications. It's critical the right medication is taken. Ask the senior what medication is being taken, its purpose, and what dosage is taken at what times. The answers to these questions give you information about their understanding of medications. Get permission to speak with the doctor to ensure you have correct information. Visiting nurses can help with medication training.

Some Important Goals

Encourage independence with self care when possible

Your goal is to help the senior at home be as independent and active as possible. Research studies show genetics, diet, physical activity, social interaction and using the mind are key ingredients for living longer. Make sure regular home visits and phone contacts are done. Changes in personal hygiene, physical activity, falls, diminished orientation or memory, sleep or appetite, and increased isolation or mood changes indicate there may be a problem. If you notice these changes contact the doctor. All caretakers should communicate regularly. Encourage physical activity, socialization and activities that can keep the mind active like crossword puzzles.

Some Final Thoughts

The role of a caretaker is stressful. Be flexible and fair when dividing caretaker responsibilities. Maintain the dignity of the senior. Good communication among all members of the care-taking team is imperative. Many people find it useful to have a time when all members of the care-taking team meet to express concerns. Finally, all caretakers need a break. Have a backup plan in place so if time off is needed somebody is available to bridge that gap. If everyone works together this time at home can be meaningful, safe and productive.