Studies have shown that rather than moving in with a relative or relocating to a nursing home or another senior living community, the majority of seniors would like to continue their lives in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes.
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Additionally, being at home provides the senior with more freedom and autonomy. However, as the years go by, a number of these elders start to experience more and more difficulty when carrying out certain everyday activities. These include housekeeping, cooking, shopping, and taking care of their personal hygienic needs. With the real threat of Covid-19 and the effects, it could potentially have on seniors, aging at home with the assistance of an aide is the better option for keeping the elderly safe.
Valid Concerns
Some common concerns or complaints heard by family members are typically along the lines of those highlighted below:
• It is getting harder to climb the stairs.
• Doing the laundry is a lot more challenging than it used to be.
• I no longer feel comfortable when driving to and from the grocery.
• Now that my wife is no longer around, I just eat canned soup for dinner.
Feeling vulnerable, confused or even angry is normal when some seniors have to come to terms with their inability to carry out certain tasks they were once able to do. They may also feel petrified at the prospect of becoming reliant on outsiders to do things they have been doing for themselves for most of their lives. Others might feel uncomfortable with the thought of having “strangers” in their space. By admitting to having these feelings and keeping an open mind to new methods of making life easier, not only will the senior better cope with his or her change in a situation but this could also prolong other areas of independence for a longer time.
It is important for seniors to be encouraged to be patient with themselves. 
A part of aging comes with losses and this is quite normal. It should be pointed out that losing some of their independence and potentially needing help from an aide is not a sign of weakness. They should also be allowed to feel sad and express their feelings of frustration about changes in their home care situation without beating up on themselves or labeling themselves as a failure.
Being open to new possibilities can greatly enhance the lives of seniors who opt to use home care services. Instead of dismissing suggestions right off the bat, seniors should try to keep an open mind and consider the benefits of the available options. New situations and new experiences can in the discovery of new possibilities and even the development of new friendships.
While a number of friends and family members might be willing to contribute to making life easier for the senior, helping out with just a few simple tasks can end up taking lots of effort and time. For a lot of family caregivers, the initial offer rapidly expands into many hours of help on a weekly basis as the need of their loved one’s increase. Thankfully, there are a number of different home care services for seniors that can be used to minimize the burden of the family caregiver, extend the independence of the elderly, enhance safety and assist them in successfully aging in place.
Assistance for Seniors Who Want to Live at Home
A variety of sources are available that provide seniors with assistance. The list below includes some typical things with which seniors need a helping hand. In addition, it provides suggestions for organizations and businesses that are currently providing those services. 
evaluate the amount of time that you spend carrying out housekeeping and laundry chores. If hiring out these tasks allows you to make better use of your time, this may be the way to go. These types of services can be arranged monthly, biweekly, weekly, or any other schedule that is most convenient. Getting a deep clean every month can be quite beneficial so that an elderly loved one will only need to concentrate on lighter tasks daily.
There are also home care companies that can provide light housekeeping services and this will ensure that your loved one is living in an environment that is safe, clean, and well organized. Bear in mind that the job description of an aide includes providing supervision and personal support, not heavy-duty cleaning services such as carpet cleaning or window washing.
• Meal Preparation
If a senior is not consuming the right nutrients, his or her health can be seriously impacted by this. Meal replacement shakes, take-out and frozen dinners can fill the gap in a pinch; however, these options are not ideal as the main sources of nutrition.
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For seniors, Meals on Wheels America is among the most renowned food delivery services. There are slight variations in the programs from place to place; however, the service basically includes delivery of healthy meals to individuals aged 60 and older with limited mobility and those who find it challenging to provide adequate nutrition for themselves. Typically, the meals are supplied for a sliding scale fee, which is based on the ability of a senior to pay.
Even with the availability of the number of prepared meal delivery services across the country, there is nothing quite like a home-cooked meal. A number of home care companies have personal care aides who are skilled at planning, shopping for, and cooking nutritious meals from scratch. They can make the experience even more fulfilling by exploring the recipe with seniors and cooking the meal together. Seniors who live alone will find the social side of sharing meals particularly beneficial. Even if an aide does not visit on a daily or weekly basis, he or she will have the option of preparing large batches of home-made dishes and freezing them for future consumption.
• Shopping Assistance, Running Errands and Transportation
In relatively recent times, a number of businesses have adapted to curbside pick-up, delivery service, and other such conveniences. Additionally, there are countless products that can be ordered online; however, many retail outlets like drug stores, local grocery stores, and dry cleaners are now offering express pick up or same-day delivery of purchased items. In many cases, these types of services can simplify the shopping process and even make it entirely unnecessary to leave the house. This is remarkable for seniors who can no longer drive, become tired easily or are limited in mobility. If transportation to and from the grocery store is the main challenge with running errands, several options are also available for this type of service. These include taxis, public transportation, and ridesharing services.
Companion services are provided by some home care agencies and this could include transporting seniors to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and running other errands.
Not only does a home care aide provide transportation but there is also the added benefit of door-to-door service while assisting with appointments or shopping. If necessary, these professionals can even assume the role of taking notes at appointments. If a client does not want to leave his or her home or is homebound, the aide can take on the shopping duties.
• Management of Medication
Many seniors have chronic medical issues that are managed with medication. A recent study has revealed that approximately 40 percent of seniors aged 65 and older take between five and more prescription medications. When the regimen of a loved one becomes too complex or they start making mistakes, getting help is crucial.
There are automatic dispensers, phone call reminders, pillboxes, and other products designed to assist with managing medication; however, these options typically require the involvement of another person to confirm that the medicine was taken as directed. A home care aide who has a set time to visit each day can personally provide medication reminders and ensure they are taken as directed. There are cases in which Medicare will stand the cost for a home aide to visit the home of a senior to administer medications if intermittent skilled nursing care is required.
• Personal Care Services
Unfortunately, as the mental and physical health of a senior decline, their personal hygiene also goes on the decline. Simple duties like teeth brushing, bathing, shaving, and putting on clean clothes become burdensome and drop lower and lower on the list of priorities. The only solution may be to help your loved one with the bathing process.
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Typically assistance with bathing is only available via home health agencies or home care companies. A specially-trained bath aide will be sent to quickly and discretely assist your loved one in taking a bath, shower or bed bath. Good personal hygiene is instrumental for optimal health and a number of caregivers use bathing services for seniors to assist their loved ones with personal care and prevent the discomfort of having to provide this intimate assistance. Home aides also assist the elderly with continence care and toileting.
• Mobility
For seniors, it can be difficult or even dangerous to get around with limited mobility. A professional home care aide is trained to provide better supervision and can also assist with transfers and mobility. This can go a far way in reducing the likelihood of household accidents like falls. A number of seniors are less anxious and more active when they know help is close by and they are being monitored. Home aides are also happy to go for walks with their clients and are willing to participate in exercises and activities that help in maintaining and promoting mobility.
How to Find Reputable Home Care Services for the Elderly
Have a conversation with your elderly loved one regarding what they believe their needs are and also talk with a doctor or other individuals of his or her care team. When the tasks they are finding challenging have been determined, it will be easier to figure out the services that could be helpful for them. Conduct research on local home care providers with a view of choosing the best one for the particular needs of your loved one. You should endeavor to collect as much information as possible as this will assist you in ultimately making a confident and informed decision.
Friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors can be remarkable sources for referrals. Make inquiries to see if anyone of these individuals has previously used the services of a home care agency and what that experience is or was like. This will assist you in getting a better concept of the ones that might be beneficial to your loved one and the providers that are established and reputable.
Another remarkable source of information on local, state, and federal benefits and services available to the elderly and their caregivers is the local Area Agency on Aging. Providers of healthcare services, local churches, social workers, outreach, and charity offices could offer their own programs or have details on senior services.
For people living in the cities in Palm Beach, or Broward counties, Boca Home Care Services has been matching seniors with qualified, certified, and compassionate home care aides capable of handling all of these duties. since 1998. Calling (561) 989-0611 will provide you with all the information you need.
Expenses are obviously involved in taking care of a senior and as such, it is vital to consider a budget when seeking out providers. A number of the previously-mentioned services are paid for privately; however, there are some that might be provided at no cost, covered by insurance or cost based on the income level of a senior. If your senior loved one continues to be largely capable of independent living, just paying for a few of these services out of pocket will likely postpone placement in senior living and will end up ultimately costing less.