Home Care - Not Just for Private Homes

When you hear about home care, you usually think about care for those who live in their own homes. Home care assistance is so much more.

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are bursting at the seams. Many facilities across the Twin Cities are faced with staffing shortages, lack of resources and limited space for new residents. Facility staff often care for multiple individuals, meaning the one-on-one care they are able to provide is minimal. Hiring a private caregiver to fill in the gaps can make a world of difference. One family had this to say about supplementing a private caregiver with facility care: “Mom adores the facility and staff in her building, but to no fault of their own, they are very busy and understaffed. Having Sandy provide additional care brings joy to mom’s routine. We don’t feel the stress and worry about her wellbeing and are confident that she is in good hands and getting the care and social interaction she needs.”

How Caregivers Assist: n Interim care while on a waitlist. Moving from Independent Living to Assisted Living, or just getting into a facility, can mean waiting weeks or even months. An individual needing care doesn’t have the luxury of waiting. A caregiver provides supplemental assistance so you can feel confident that your loved one is cared for in their current residence. n Residents receive additional support. Facilities are faced with staff shortages, meaning less individualized care. Facilities can’t staff for transportation or have the manpower to bring every resident outside consistently. A caregiver gives 1:1 companionship and care by getting residents out for dinner, or a short walk outside.

For others, a caregiver’s presence adds peace of mind. They assist with care needs overnight and are an added safeguard against accidents.

There are many care options to ensure a senior’s needs are being met. Whether in a private home, living facility, or even a family member’s home, there are options to remain as independent as possible in every stage of life. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Visiting Angels West Metro. Reach them at 952-935-0789 or by email at angels@angelsmn.com. See ad on page 85.