It’s Not a Cookie Cutter Approach: Your In Home Caregiver Provides Personalized Care
The most wonderful thing about human beings is that each one of them is altogether one-of-a-kind, and that doesn’t change just because of age. As we grow older, we remain the unique and intricate individuals that we have been our entire lives. Assuming that all older adults will act the same and need the same things is a cookie cutter approach that just will never work for seniors or those who provide care for them. Being an in home caregiver involves a creative and careful approach that allows the caregiver team to assess just who an older adult is and what the person’s distinct needs are to identify the best plan of care to keep the senior healthy and well at home.
And just as there are many unique types of people with different needs, there are also many different types of in-home care services and providers. Understanding what types of services, or combinations of services, are right for your senior loved one can help him or her live a happier, healthier life at home. Working with a licensed, bonded, and highly regarded home care provider like Home & Hearth Caregivers is also extremely important.
When it’s time to seek out home care in the Chicago area for a loved one, a geriatric care assessment for daily function, depression, and mental status is a critical step that a first-rate home care provider will provide to identify which types of services are needed for the senior.
A geriatric care assessment is intended to:
- Evaluate all of the concerns and challenges that a senior might be encountering
- Create a coordinated care plan to place emphasis on interventions for recognized issues
- Assess the older adult’s access to supports that can help him or her safely reside in the home
- Determine care needs and the frequency of care that should be provided
Once completed, a geriatric care assessment can lead to:
- Improved health outcomes
- Postponing the onset of disability
- Being aware of health changes before they worsen
- Improved quality of life
- Saving on health care expenses
- Pinpointing rehab needs
- Planning services to enhance safety
- Discovering early-stage disease
- Establishing a senior’s capability to care for himself or herself
- Identifying fall risks
During a geriatric care assessment, an in home caregiver should also invest time to get to know the older adult for whom care will be provided – his or her life history, likes and dislikes, and general personality. Time should also be taken to get to know the other family members better. Comprehending family dynamics, personal history, hobbies and interests, and more can all help in home caregivers customize the care they provide for the unique people they serve.
At Home & Hearth Caregivers, we’re fully committed to supporting the independence and dignity of each and every individual we serve. When health conditions and life stages lead to the need for a little help or even around-the-clock care, we know the changes that follow can be complicated, emotional and overwhelming. We can help you determine your loved one’s care needs and determine the most appropriate type of in-home care services to assure your loved one’s independence at home. Contact us today at 800-349-0663 to find out more or to arrange for a free home consult in Chicago or the surrounding area.