Image by truthseeker08 from Pixabay
How To Care For The Elderly At Home – Decline in physical, mental and emotional conditions may progress slowly over many years.
These abilities also may be suddenly affected by a stroke, heart attack, or prolonged surgery under anesthesia, which can affect cognitive abilities.
You decide you need to set up care for elderly parents, or someone who has no relative to take care of them.
This may become your job.
How To Pay For Home Care For The Elderly
In many places, government programs are in place to pay for care taking at home. You can apply for the program, and take some training to cover the responsibilities the program will pay for.
It costs the government much less to pay for elders to stay at home, as opposed to housing them in a full care facility.
The elder (s) who need help must qualify too. An application will involve getting recommendation for in home care by a doctor. The condition of the patient determines what tasks will be paid for, and how many hours per week are allotted for the aid.
The program will consider which ADL’s, or Activities of Daily Living, cannot be performed by the applicant.
The basics of these are:
- Feeding oneself
- Ability to get up and down, to sit, stand, get into and out of bed
- Dressing and undressing
- Bathing or showering oneself
- General grooming activities including oral hygiene
- Toilet Hygiene – getting on and off the toilet, and cleaning oneself properly
Other activities are called IADL’s, or Instrumental daily activities which cover:
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Housework (cleaning, laundry, clothes care)
- Shopping for food and dry goods for the house
- Picking up prescriptions and other health supplies
- Paying Bills and keeping track of the budget (some programs don’t pay for this)
- Helping with phone calls, and electronic communications
- Supervising the medication schedule
Some elders require dialysis hook up, injections or blood collection. This requires special training, and sometimes nurse visits can be arranged.
How To Get Home Care For The Elderly
Follow your local program’s guidelines if you will apply for yourself.
Check your local paper’s ads for agencies or individuals looking for such work.
In most areas you can find someone looking for more work hours, or a full time schedule.
You may need someone with a car for transport to and from doctor’s visits, a senior center, or other activities. Their car may have to transport a wheel chair.
In our local system, I have noticed a couple of negatives.
One is, that it is paid at minimum wage rates. The care giver must have some other source of income, or low income needs.
In a remote area you can’t find any care givers. Why?
Most programs pay the care givers as an employee. If they were independent contractors, they could deduct mileage or charge travel time.
At a minimum wage rate, who can travel a few hours a day, spend money on the gas and car maintenance, for zero reimbursement?
That is one glaring weakness in the system.
If you have elderly parents or friends who live in the country, or in a small town, it may be best to move them closer to you, or to a community that can provide care givers.
Take Care Of Yourself
Take advantage of local senior centers, library activities for seniors, craft clubs, and other opportunities to both enhance a senior’s social life and give yourself breaks.
Look for senior volunteers who may come into the home to read to your client, or just keep them company. The programs do not pay you to do these things.
Keeping a mental/emotional balance for your clients helps you too. Think about the frustration and level of acceptance they are faced with at this time of their life.
How Do You Care For An Elderly Bedridden At Home?
Important things to consider are what kind of equipment do you need for this person?
Does your health plan cover a hospital bed? An electric wheelchair? Shower chairs?
Usually your local clinic nurses have all this information. They will help you make appointments with the doctors who can give the recommendation for needed devices.
What kind of budget are you looking at to keep this person comfortable?
You must also consider yourself. Will this person have to be lifted?
Some covered physical therapy programs will include teaching the care giver how to move a client. This includes a basic plan for getting a client in and out of a car.
There are major and minor pieces of equipment that can be placed around the home.
Best Online Deals For Today is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking (AL= Ad Link) to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sentire Med Forza FCX Deluxe Fold Foldable Power Compact Mobility Aid Wheel Chair, Lightweight Folding Carry Electric Wheelchair, Motorized Wheelchair, Powerful Dual Motor Wheelchair
AL
See how easy this electric wheelchair is to set up!
Transformer Automatic Folding Travel Scooter for Adults and Seniors, Yellow, Lightweight Lithium Battery, Airline Approved
AL
This folding scooter is airline approved and gets high ratings for comfortable travel and “life changing” freedom.
Probably one of the most painful conditions on many levels is being confined to one’s home.
No more visits to the park, past the coffee shops, the library, movies.
Isolation.
Hopeful Premium 5 Function Full Electric Hospital Bed (5 Functions, LINAK Motor and Control System, Central Locking System)
AL
The HOPEFUL Premium 5 Function Full Electric Hospital Bed has the capabilities of a fully equipped hospital bed within the comforts of your home.
It can raise and lower the head, knees, and feet, smoothly and quietly.
This bed can move in Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions.
There are integrated angle degree displays to allow for precise positioning.
Other features:
- Contains a digital scale to track your client’s weight.
- Manufactured with a aluminum and stainless steel frame
- Fitted with hardened plastic rails.
- Functions are performed by the state-of-the-art LINAK (leading brand world wide) electric motor actuators and control systems
- Ergonomically designed on the hand-held pendant to facilitate use
- Controls are also installed on the side panels of the bed
- A centralized locking system with brake pedals, for 5 inch aluminum casters with bearings for best security
- Casters will glide on concrete, tile, wood, and carpet
- 500 lbs weight limit
- Overall bed weight: 285 lbs.
- Overall Dimensions: 86.0 x 41.8 x (19.0 – 32.0 adjustable height) inches
- Sleep Surface Dimensions: 78.7 x 35.4 inches
Invacare NCB-STDPROD-1246-KIT GHS350 Lift with R130 Standing Sling
AL
- This solution for your patient transfer help features innovative adjustments which adapt to a wide variety of body sizes and shapes
- The R130 sling aids in standing upright assistance, easier toileting, weight bearing exercise, and transfers to and from the bed, or wheelchair
- Comfortable for persons of any height, width and weight range up to 350 pounds
- Low friction casters allow a gliding mobility and contribute to the caregiver’s safety
- Easily stored – under the bed clearance is 4. 5 inch
2020 Best Electric Wheelchair Folding Lightweight Heavy Duty Electric Power Motorized Wheelchair (Black)
AL
- This US company provides top quality 24 x 7 customer support
- Return product and refund guaranteed for 30 days
- The company also offers spare parts and repair warranty
- Battery will operate for 13 miles when fully charged
- Comes with seat belt and anti-tipper construction
- This light weight electric wheelchair is FDA approved and airplane travel approved so you can travel with your safety featured chair
- Light enough to leave batteries in when folded/unfolded
- This electric wheelchair can roll easily on grass, inclines, brick surfaces, moist ground, snow, and uneven pavement
- The 360° waterproof joystick gives you easy one hand navigation
- The rear of the chair is designed to avoid leaning keeping the chair stable
Invacare 5410IVC, 6630DS, 5185 Full Electric Home care Bed, Full Electric Bed, 5410 IVC with Innerspring Mattress, 5185 and Half Length Rails, 6630DS, Brown
AL
This bed comes with a full rail model too. Over 300 ratings attest to its popularity.
- Sturdy panels
- Rubber casters are low impact and are scratch-resistant and washable
- Easy-use hand pendant features heavy-duty strain-relief cord
- Easy clamp-on, adjustable half-length rails with chrome-plated slide tubes
- High quality 312 coil innerspring mattress features a durable vinyl cover to ensure firm and comfortable support for users
- Easily accessed emergency manual crank offers your peace of mind
ProHeal Stand Assist Lift – Sit to Stand Standing Transfer Lift – Fall Prevention Patient Transfer Lifter for Home Use and Facilities – 500 Pound Weight Capacity
AL
This lift is similar to ones you will see used in hospitals, at a quarter of the price.
It is designed as a transfer aid for clients who can support 60-70% of their body weight. It will help prevent falls, and increases the safety of caregivers too.
This device keeps the client participating in their daily movements, rather than being passively moved in a larger, sling type of lifter.
The lift comes with hooks for optional side and support straps for additional safety. It also provides dual rear locking wheels and easily adjustable locking base.
- This uncomplicated device aids in getting up onto one’s feet, or easily down onto a sofa, chair, bed, toilet set etc., in easy motions.
- This standing assistance lift transfers patients helping care givers avoid back strain, shoulder strain and the resulting wear and tear such a job may aggravate.
- Ergonomic enhancements: shin pads support the weight transfer
- The foot pedal offers hands free opening of base
- The adjustable base provides clearance around furniture pieces, and door ways
- Your purchase is protected with a 3 year warranty
- Sturdy construction with welded parts ensures longevity of the product
Irene House （Dual Motor） Lays Flat Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly Comfortable （Breath Leather ）,Soft and Sturdy (Red Brown Leather)
AL
7 color choices!
- This sturdy wood-framed recliner is powered by the German Brand Okin motor,
- It offers a power lift function ideal for elderly individuals who have difficulty standing from a sitting position
- It also performs as reclining sofa chair that gently reclines the chair with a simple push of a button, instead of a pull lever
- Supports up to 300 lbs, the entire chair tilts up to help elders to an upright position easily
- Perfect for those who have leg or back problems or are recovering from surgery
- The footrest extends to allow sleeping, as well as watching television, and reading.
- Side pocket design for you to put remotes and other small belongings eliminates the need for an accessory
- This chair is easy to assemble
Product Warranty: From the date of purchasing:
- Electronic components(motor/transformer/hand controller)1 year
- Cover (fabric, PU/PVC, combined fabric, leather etc): 2 years
- Reclining mechanism: 3 years
- Solid wood frame:3 years.
CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair – Heavy Duty and Safety Motion Reclining Mechanism-Anti-skid Fabric Sofa Living Room Chair with Overstuffed Design, Chocolate
AL
Almost 300 ratings assure confidence in this product.
- Modern style and functionality combined together with the single motor and heavy duty mechanism have created the popularity of this chair
- Your parent/client can lay back or lift and tilt to stand with the smooth mobility
- Will adjust to any customized position to provide comfort and a resting experience.
- An ample pillow designed for the back, seat and armrest contoured for support and the supportive high back and the quality grade anti-skid upholstery, provide an extremely safe seating and increased safety.
- Less 10 mins installation, Search” Canmov Lift Chair” on YouTube for assembly guide video, all functions used by only two buttons remote control.
- Overall size: 39″W x 37″D x 40″H, Seat Height – 20.5″, its max weight capacity is about 300lbs
- For your health, consult your doctor before using this product. Your doctor will help you become aware of possible postural problems you can fix
- If you have pain in a muscle or joint after using for a prolonged period of time, discontinue using and consult your doctor, persistent pain could be postural, or a symptom of a more serious condition
- CANMOV, warrants their products against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1 year from the date of retail purchase.
Lumex Splash Bath Lift with Ultra-Compact Design and Remote Control, 5033A-1
AL
- This sleek design is colored to blend into any bathroom environment and can be stored in its lowest position for discretion
- With a light and compact design this model weighs a scant 14. 3 pounds and can easily be stored in small areas
- Slim and modern, this unit is not disruptive to your home décor compared to other bath safety products
- The back support design maximizes legroom because Splash tucks close to the back of the tub
- The smooth and quiet movement is designed for a safe bathing experience
The following article takes more details into consideration, concerning how to take care of the elderly at home.
Care of the Elderly – Independence in the Golden Years by Sian P Wilson
Research has proven that for those individuals suffering from an illness or disability, that living in the comfort and familiar environment of their homes can contribute significantly to their physical and mental well being and rates of recovery. As modern society is progressing to an hourglass formation of population distribution, whereby there are higher proportions of aged and younger individuals, more families will be charged with the responsibility of looking after elderly family members as well as raising their own children.
Nearing retirement and ageing gracefully should be the golden years of life for everyone and for many, spending these golden years in their own homes is not only desired, but deemed necessary. Maintaining independence is essential. However, many will require medical care and advice that is not able to be provided by immediate family and friends. The care of elderly parents needs to be discussed thoroughly by all the parties involved to ensure that care giving decisions are made in the best interests of the elderly parent as well as all caregivers. It is important to have respectful and open conversations, assessing the care requirements based upon their mental, emotional and physical condition.
In many instances, the option to have healthcare professionals attend the family home to provide care for the elderly is the best option. Whether specialized medical care is required for an advanced illness or disease, or if simple assistance is required to help with daily routines that have become somewhat difficult due to the natural occurrences of aging, healthcare professionals can ensure that the quality of life of the individual remains at the highest of levels. There are many benefits of caring for the elderly in their own homes including: the provision of care in a manner that ingrains dignity and independence, preventing or delaying the need for hospitalization or institutionalization in nursing homes, freedom and comfort of the individuals concerned, specialized care designed for the specific needs of the patient, as well as providing the platform to keep families together.
Nonetheless, there are situations where elderly care is not feasible to occur within the home environment. While it is admirable of families that wish to take the challenge of caring for their elderly family members at home, there are some instances where the individuals may require more specialized assistance and care that isn’t available in the home, even with the professional assistance of medical staff. In these cases, other alternatives may need to be evaluated and chosen.
However, deliberating over the issues of where an aged family member should live when they are no longer able to live independently is an extremely difficult decision, often leaving family members feeling guilty for even considering the options. The need to balance the requirements of the family, with marital and career responsibilities, requires decisions to be made that work for all the parties involved.
Whether the decision is made to retain elderly family members within their existing homes or other living alternatives are sought, professional healthcare staff will ensure that the golden years will be enjoyed with dignity and independence.
More for seniors: