CHALLENGES OF AGING
The challenges of aging are numerous and often frightening. The obstacles that we see just scratch the surface of a senior’s daily problems. Having a personal caregiver won’t make the problems disappear, but they can help make life more pleasant and manageable for seniors. A caregiver can smooth out the rough spots. When you are thinking about home care services in Central Coast California, it’s good to be aware of the complications seniors must tackle on a daily basis.
- Disabilities
- Loss of muscle strength
- Various health complications
- Memory loss
- Boredom
- Isolation
- Balance issues
- Mobility impairments
- Cognitive impairment
- Financial issues
- Loss of employment
- Death of loved ones
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feelings of helplessness
- Loss of visual acuity
- Loss of hearing acuity
- Malnutrition is caused by the inability to prepare meals or go to the market
- Transportation issues make it difficult to get to appointments
- Sleep disturbances
- Bone fragility
- Ageism
- Dealing with a difficult or ill spouse
HOW CAREGIVERS IN CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA CAN IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIORS
Caregivers can provide the necessary care for your loved ones when you can’t be there for them. A personal caregiver isn’t distracted by having the responsibility of multiple people at the same time. A professional caregiver can provide intellectual stimulation through conversation and activities. A compassionate caregiver can impart a calming presence that will soothe periods of agitation. That kind of companionship will make your loved one feel as if they matter and are not just a chore. Because someone is there to provide assistance, your loved one will feel less stressed. Individual needs are met with less delay and your loved one is more at ease dealing with someone they know. There’s no substitute for one-on-one care. Caregivers in Central Coast California can aid with the following:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Food preparation
- Nutrition choices
- Medication prompts
- Simple housekeeping
- Walking
- Transportation to appointments and outings
- All-night care
- Supervision to prevent unsafe activities
- Creation of a routine geared to individual needs
- Memory maintenance exercises
THE ADVANTAGES OF HOME CARE SERVICES IN CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA
If you ask most people, they do not want to leave the comfort and security of their own homes. This is especially true for someone who might be suffering memory loss. Being in familiar surroundings will help them maintain a greater degree of independence, control, and contentment. They have a greater sense of autonomy. Their dignity will be preserved because they still have a place to call their own.
Another advantage to in-home care is less exposure to viruses. In an enclosed environment, especially with a vulnerable population, viruses spread rapidly. With a one-on-one caregiver, exposure is limited. With a caregiver present, they can also ensure that visitors follow the appropriate safety procedures.
Loneliness is a major concern for our senior population. In one’s own home, there are no set visiting hours; friends and family can visit whenever it’s convenient for them and the client. This flexibility is necessary for people who are working, going to school or have other family members to care for. With a home healthcare worker, family, and friends a senior won’t have to be alone.
One of the aspects that is important to the quality of life is pets. With home care services, seniors can often keep their pets. The bond between a human and their pet is immeasurable. Pets provide comfort, amusement, and companionship. They can help seniors focus on conditions and events outside of themselves. Caring for a pet can encourage them to be more active. Pets can decrease stress, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and increase social skills and social interaction.
A HOME CARE AGENCY IN CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA CAN HELP FAMILIES
Family members often feel overwhelmed and guilty when they can’t meet all of the needs of a loved one. But most people have to work and/or go to school and/or care for children and other family members. Complications such as job schedule changes, health issues, and the needs of children are unpredictable. Despite our best intentions, we can’t always do what we want to do. Caregivers can be there when we can’t. A highly skilled healthcare worker can give us the peace of mind that our hectic lives are often lacking. Knowing that our loved one is receiving the proper care will make the family’s life much easier.
THE EXPENSE OF SENIOR CARE
None of us like to think of money when we are in need of care for a loved one, but we often don’t have a choice. As of 2022, the average monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home in California was $9,794; the average monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home was $12,167. As with most things, the cost of care will only rise. On the other hand, the cost of assisted living in California starts at $5,250 / month.
Hourly rates for home healthcare range from $25.00 to $35.00 an hour. The contrast is obvious. As discussed, home healthcare is not only more affordable, it can be a lot better for your loved one.
