The elderly population is growing, and many people need assistance and care in a healthy and safe environment. The elderly face a broad range of medical and physical needs that require assistance and supervision on a temporary or full-time basis, depending on their needs. Knowing what their care needs are will help you understand how to help an older person or find someone who can assist.
Types of Care
When caring for the elderly, it is important to know what types of care are available. Aside from relatives and friends assisting and caring for loved ones, there are professionals who are also willing to help. Home health care is one of the most widely used services. A home health care agency and its team of professional caregivers assist the elderly client while the client remains in the comfort of his own home. They offer personal care such as bathing, grooming and feeding assistance. They may also offer help with chores such as housekeeping, meal preparation and lawn maintenance. Home care may also include hospice care for terminally ill patients or rehabilitative care for those recovering from surgery or illness. Nursing home care, assisted living and acute in-patient hospital care are additional types of care offered.
Reasons for Care
If an elderly person suffers a medical illness such as a stroke or a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, she may need assistance and care. This could be a combination of in-patient or physician care and home care. The elderly person may be treated in a hospital or at a clinic, then sent home with a visiting nurse or therapist for additional assistance. Elderly people who are prone to skin breakdown may require a wound care nurse to observe their skin and monitor how wounds are healing. Some elderly people need round-the-clock care because they can no longer care for themselves. Those who need assistance with end-of-life care may need the help of a hospice care team to provide palliative treatment so they can remain comfortable and pain free.
Locations
Elderly people receive care in many different locations other than their homes. Starting with their family physicians, whom they may receive treatment from once a week to once a month. Elderly people also visit hospitals, outpatient clinics, mobile radiology labs and dialysis centers. Hospice in-patient units allow for round-the-clock care for patients who are unable to die at home. Adult day-care centers offer respite relief for tired caregivers while allowing elderly relatives to socialize and engage in peer activities.
Caregivers
Caregivers play an important role in the life of an elderly person. They provide companionship and support to those in need. Caregivers can be spouses, children, friends, neighbors, nurses, home health aides, physicians, social workers and spiritual care professionals. Some may volunteer while others get paid for their professional services.
Effects
Caring for the elderly makes sure their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met. Making sure their environment is accessible for them is important so they have fewer limitations. Senior citizens who are sick may not be able to make sound choices for themselves, and having a reliable caregiver to help them is important for overall quality of life.
