The Benefits of Enlisting a Home Healthcare Agency

A home healthcare agency provides a broad range of services, from personal hygiene assistance and medication management to cognitive stimulation and companionship.

Home healthcare is a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes and retirement communities. It is also the preferred delivery method as it allows older adults to remain independent in the comfort and familiarity of their homes.

Caring for an older loved one can be stressful and, in many cases, overwhelming. Older adults rely more on those around them for care and support as they become less independent.

A home healthcare agency is there to work with seniors to sustain independence, support their caregivers, and improve outcomes.

Partnering with a home healthcare agency has many tangible and intangible benefits. Read on for five of the most prominent ways a home health aide provided by a home care agency can help you and the older adult.

Better Health Outcomes

Studies have shown that older adults working with home health aides have better outcomes than those residing in nursing homes or receiving no care. Additionally, wellness and quality of life are greater, medication efficacy is improved, and many illnesses are briefer with fewer complications.

Medication Management

Managing medications can be confusing, even for younger adults. Dosages and schedules change, prescriptions can be challenging to maintain, and side effects difficult to track.

A home health aide is a licensed/certified paraprofessional experienced and knowledgeable in medication management. They ensure that medications are current/unexpired, taken according to directions, and on schedule.

Nutrition Support

It can be difficult for older adults to manage their diet and nutrition. Cooking can become daunting and potentially dangerous, and keeping healthy schedules is difficult for individuals of all ages.

Home health aides may assist in grocery and cooking support. They also track habits, general health and wellness, and the impact of their client’s nutritional intake.

When necessary, they will inform family members and their client’s Case Management team that additional support and monitoring may be beneficial, including a nutritionist or dietician in the support team.

Cost-Effective

While nursing homes and retirement communities consume the bulk of a senior’s savings, home health aides are compensated per hour of service, a substantial difference from a live-in facility. This financial relief can make a difference (and provide much-needed relief) for whoever is paying for the care.

Companionship

In addition to their tangible assistance, bonds tend to develop between home health aides and their clients. This companionship can be of great value to an older adult and you. The familiarity developed between the client and aide makes home health aides an essential resource as you work together to track, manage, and maintain the health and independence of the older adult in your life. Many clients consider their home health aide an extended member of their family.

Home healthcare agencies provide support and partnership. They work to collaborate with existing support systems toward the goal of improving the independence, happiness, and health of clients.

Learn more about how the older adult in your life can benefit from partnering with a home healthcare agency. Request a free consultation below now.