Thanks to modern technology and smart eldercare, maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place is an increasingly accessible option for many.Aging in place refers to senior citizens who continue to live in their own residences as they age without compromising their safety or quality of life. They have access to all of the assistance and medical services they need in the residence of their own choosing, whether that’s a family home or a more recently downsized apartment or condo. The important part is independent living: though some tasks such as driving, cleaning or medical attention may require assistance, living on one’s own remains an important factor in an older adult’s mental health and self-esteem. Living in one’s own residence can also be extremely beneficial in easing serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as familiar environments can delay cognitive disruptions.
What Do Caregivers Do?
Basic home health care often includes light housekeeping like meal preparation and laundry, as well as companionship. Caregivers take the time to play games and go on escorted outings, whether it’s to go shopping, make an appointment or just to go out for a walk. Providers may also be equipped to handle patients with serious illnesses like cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through specialized treatment.
Living with Illnesses
Older adults who are living alone can still enjoy happy, productive and meaningful lives. While there may be many tips to help seniors live alone and comfortably, mobility issues and illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, or visual impairment may complicate things.
Specialized treatments may include things like music therapy for patients with dementia. Music therapy is a cooperative treatment plan that stimulates memory and cognition. By working with family members, therapists identify music that would have strong positive connotations and intersperse it with unfamiliar and connotatively neutral music to stimulate memories or sedate agitation. These services are aimed at those who do not want to leave the comforts of their own home or their community.
Hospital Release
In some cases, nursing care may be necessary, especially after an injury and release from the hospital. IV therapy, mobility training, and pain and symptom management are often available as well. After a release from the hospital, a plan is essential. According to home healthcare provider Mavencare, hospital discharge planning should include medical evaluation, a transfer plan, a schedule of follow-up appointments and a thorough referral network.
Live Mobile Updates
Not many assistance coordinators have adapted to make good use of today’s mobile technology. However, those that have, like Mavencare home healthcare services, have begun using mobile apps to give families more control. Technology also ensures that distant or busy families stay constantly updated. Connected home health care provides loved ones with live monitoring, photo updates, and mobile updates that check off a To-Do list of essential tasks. Family members can rest easy knowing that caregivers are treating their loved ones as they would themselves. Mobile apps can be used to seamlessly keep families updated. With an app such as Mavencare’s, families can set up task lists for each booked visit, manage future bookings, track a caregiver’s location and receive live updates on task completion. Technology makes aging in place a viable option; book a consultation with a care provider to learn about your options.
