What is in-home care? Many people mistake this service for live-in caregiving. It’s not the same. In-home care aides come to your dad’s home and work in his home to help him with activities of daily living.
If you’ve been refusing to arrange in-home care as your dad doesn’t want a stranger living with him, it’s time to discuss what it actually means. Here’s what you should know about in-home care.
In-Home Care Covers Care Within Your Dad’s Home
In-home care is a service where a caregiver comes to your dad’s home and offers him the help he needs. The range of services is extensive, but it offers options like these:
- Companionship on walks, errand days, and around the home
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Hygiene and grooming assistance
- Meal and snack preparation
- Medication reminders
- Scheduling and organization
- Toileting care
- Transportation to appointments and when running errands
What are Some Scenarios Where In-Home Care Can Help?
Suppose your dad has cancer and has several appointments for chemo and radiation. You’ve taken off as much time as you can, but he still has some appointments coming up. You can have an in-home care aide take him to his appointments and update you with any news the doctor shares.
Around the home, your dad’s caregiver can sit with him if nausea kicks in. If he needs someone to get him a drink, his caregiver will do that. Additionally, caregivers can be with him if he needs support while he gets in and out of the shower.
Your dad is having a hard time keeping track of what he’s run out of. It’s okay as his caregiver can keep a list of the items he needs and schedule an order to pick up or have delivered. If he wants to get out of the house and run errands, his caregiver can escort him to area stores and businesses.
It’s recommended that your dad keeps his mind occupied. If he doesn’t think about having cancer, it will help reduce stress and anxiety. Finding activities that he enjoys and gets absorbed in is key. He may discover he loves playing crime-solving games on his computer. He might discover a passion for knitting.
His caregiver can help him get set up to work on his favorite activity or hobby. If he wants to play games as a distraction, his caregiver can challenge him to a Backgammon match, a game of Cribbage, or a Monopoly competition.
Book the Services He Needs
Now that you know more about in-home care, arrange the services your dad needs. He’ll have someone to provide the assistance he needs each day or several times a week. If his needs change, his care plan is easily adapted.
You have peace of mind, and he has help and companionship. That lowers everyone’s stress. Call an in-home care specialist with your questions.
If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Red Lodge, MT, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Billings today. 406-839-2390
