How To Prepare For The Needs Of Aging Parents

It’s always hard to think about our parents growing older. But it is a reality that we all have to accept. In the best-case scenario, they will be cared for by their children in their home with help from home care assistants and caregivers.

Many families have to choose between work and caregiving. If you know that somebody in your family will need constant care and supervision, it makes sense to put a plan into action now. The more organized you are in the early stages of planning, the easier it will be for everyone involved.

Be Prepared

Staying home with your aging parents can be both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, you know you’re making a difference by being there every day. On the other hand, it’s time-consuming and emotionally draining. Regardless of their age or level of physical independence (or lack thereof), many older adults still enjoy staying in their own homes but will need some extra support to stay in their homes longer.

Hiring home care assistance services can provide that extra help you may require to help them stay home. While home health aides or home nurses require specialized medical training and certification, non-medical home caregivers do not. If you’re not comfortable handling certain medical treatments, home health aides, home nurses, or home health agencies can handle them for you while still providing the personal touch of a homemaker.

Staff from home care assistance services can serve as companions and confidants, ensuring older adults remain active in their community, are healthy enough for outings with family members (or other seniors), and participate in creative activities via classes at their local senior center.

So how do you know which type of home care assistance service is right for you or your aging parents? The following are important considerations to keep in mind:

1. What Services Are Needed?

When determining your home care assistance standard, it’s important to consider the type of services you’re looking for. While some seniors require the hourly presence of a caregiver to assist with personal tasks like bathing and dressing, others simply need help with housekeeping or meal preparation.

2. What Do My Parents Need?

If your older family members are still physically active and have no major health issues, selecting home care assistance that offers companionship and socialization opportunities may work best for them. In-home caregivers can provide friendship and conversation, take them on outings to the mall, or go for a walk in the park.

3. What Can I Afford?

Of course, you have to consider your budget when calling for assistance from a home care assistance company. If you’re going through an insurance plan, it’s important to understand what coverage they offer and which companies they are willing to reimburse. Costs can vary based on the number of hours needed per day and what services will be offered.

4. Who Will Be the Primary Caregiver?

Choose home care assistance services that have experienced caregivers who are trained and certified in dealing with a wide variety of non-medical home care issues older adults may experience, such as home safety, medication management, light meal preparation, and emergency response.

5. What Type of Formal Training Do They Have?

Home care assistance services that employ caregivers who have gone through a formal, accredited caregiver program provide the utmost professionalism, expertise, and dedication to their job. Look for those caregivers who not only have at least six months of experience working with seniors but also boast credentials from recognized organizations.

There are many decisions to be made when determining which type of home care assistance service is right for you. By keeping the above considerations in mind, you’ll be able to select the best company for your needs.

At A-Z Best Home Care services, we understand the importance of aging with dignity. That’s why our home care company provides unparalleled non-medical services that give seniors a chance to live well into their golden years in a manner that best suits their needs and lifestyle. We offer companionship, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and countless other types of non-medical assistance for older adults in Arizona. Contact us today to find out more about our care services.