As the population ages, the need to provide seniors with health care services will also rise. In Chicago, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 280,000 residents over the age of 65. Many seniors want to remain in their homes, surrounded by their possessions, friends and loved ones. In the Northern Chicago area, a wide range of in-home health care services are available, including elderly companion services, registered nurses and more.
Nursing Services
In-house nurses are available for short- or long-term medication assistance. Nurses can provide cooking and meal preparation as well as comprehensive in-home personal care such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Many will provide transportation to and from doctor's appointments and hospitals and everyday errands. Registered nurses are authorized to administer injections to patients. A nurse aide will assist elderly people in their daily movements around the house, to the bathroom, to their bed or couch. If the elderly person is confined to a wheelchair or scooter, the nurse can accompany them outside through the neighborhood or while running errands. Crusade of Mercy, Chicago, employs registered nurses, nursing aides and home aides on a 24/7- or as-needed basis.
Companions
Elder care companion services provide a range of daily personal services, including grooming, bathing, meal preparation and transportation. The companions are trained in safety precautions such as fall prevention and assisting with the proper distribution of medication. Companions can assist with nutritional needs, providing meal planning and preparation of meals. The companion enables the elderly to maintain independence and avoid loss of friends and families. An elder companion not only provides the service necessary for the elderly patient, but he or she also provides the primary home caregiver a temporary reprise from daily care duties. Home Instead Senior Care, Naperville, Illinois, provides companions for the elderly.
Rehabilitation Services
Companies such as Maximum Rehabilitation Services and Covenant Methodist Home Care provide qualified physical and speech therapists for people who suffer from a traumatic illness or disease. Physical therapists work closely with the doctor to provide help with neurological diseases, gait training and chronic pain. The therapy provided will be tailored to a person's needs. Speech therapists will provide help with improve communication skills--like correcting slurring or stuttering caused by strokes or head injuries.
Adult Day Care
If all else fails and you need to still provide daily care for an elderly person, consider adult day care centers. There are more than 10 adult day care centers in the Northern Chicago area. Many adult day care centers will provide transportation to and from their facilities. Adult day care centers provide an alternative care option to delay sending an elderly person to a nursing home or institution. Adult day care centers offer meals, recreation and health-related services. They also provide opportunities to socialize with others. The staff at adult cay care centers will provide necessary supervision, monitoring medications, meals and snacks, recreational activities and some physical therapy.
Considerations
Home health care is paid by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or out of pocket. Medicare pays for specific health care services in your home. You must meet specific guidelines set forth under the system; your doctor must decide you need medical care at home, make a plan for this care, must need skilled nursing care, continued occupational care, be home bound and unable to leave the home unassisted. Medicare does not cover home health aide services unless you are also getting skilled care such as nursing or other therapy.
