Professional home care is broad and varied
PAID CONTENT: Home Instead, Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar - 044 9385260; www.homeinstead.ie
By Jonathon Acton: jonathan.acton@homeinstead.ie
While the definition is simple, the services that encompass professional home care are broad and varied.
Simply put, home care is supportive care provided in an individual’s home by professional CAREGivers.
The most common services that CAREGivers typically provide include assistance with tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands and shopping.
These are designed to help an older person live a happy, healthy and independent life at home for longer than otherwise possible.
In addition Home Care, if used at the right time to be proactive rather than reactive, can help prevent seniors from losing their independence and help them to stay safely in their own homes instead of using long-term residential care settings.
Where to begin to find home care services
People encounter senior care services in different circumstances.
Sometimes it is through a planned approach with a family member, or there comes a point as you age when you realise that a little extra support will enhance your life.
Other times it may be when you encounter a more acute event such as a debilitating illness, or incident which can only be overcome with extra support.
Very quickly a situation can become a crisis where immediate home care support is the only realistic option if you want to return or stay at home.
The urgency of deciding at this point, who to speak to and which services to engage, can be extremely stressful and demanding.
Talk to your local Home Instead Senior Care office to discuss your senior care needs and avail of a range of information and resources regarding ageing in Ireland.
A trusted home care professional will also be able to explain the range of services provided, what you or your family require and the costs entailed.
You may also wish to discuss your needs with your family, a health care professional such as a GP, public health nurse or hospital discharge planner.
The internet is also a valuable resource with a host of information on care options.
Helping older people stay independent
Home Instead Senior Care is a network of 22 locally owned franchise offices employing more than 4,500 professional CAREGivers across the country.
Each office is managed by people living in your community.
Each employee of Home Instead is dedicated and passionate about helping older people live in their own home for as long as possible.
Home Instead research shows that older people feel happier and healthier with a better quality of life when living at home, and we understand the enormous peace of mind this gives family members.
If you know someone who needs help at home, please call me on 04493 85260 or check out Homeinstead.ie.
Sincere thanks to all of our professional CAREGivers for their continued hard work and dedication to providing quality care to seniors throughout our community.