Understanding The Role Of In-Home Care Providers

The need for senior care among the residents of Sherman Oaks and other parts of LA may happen gradually or suddenly. It could be a result of a long-term chronic illness or a serious accident. Regardless of the cause, loss of physical and cognitive ability and loss of independence as a whole can be tough for seniors to cope with. On top of that, having strangers supporting your senior relative with their needs may feel confusing and intrusive to the senior.

However, getting the help of trained professionals for your in-home care needs can ease the burden of everyone involved and put your relative back on the recovery path.

At A Better Way In Home Care, we are well aware of the challenges seniors face. We are dedicated to referring in-home care services throughout Sherman Oaks and its environs. We also believe that understanding the role played by an in-home care provider will help you choose the best option for your aging parent.

Non-medical in-home care

This type of senior care has received various names including social care, domiciliary care and custodial care among others. As the name suggests, it does not include medical support. Many agencies are offering this service in California. However, A Better Way In Home Care is one of the leading providers.

We are determined to make caregiving easier for you and your senior parent by offering help with the tasks of daily living. The personal home care aides, companions and attendants that we refer, pay visits to our clients as regularly as required.

In-home senior care providers often assume the role of a surrogate friend and caregiver when loved ones or family members cannot be present for their beloved senior. You get a peace of mind knowing that your relative is getting the attention they need, much longed for companionship and the care they require to stay safely and independently at home.

Many in-home care professionals have undergone specialized training. They can undertake different senior care tasks depending on their level of certification including attendant care and companion care services.

Companion care services

If an in-home care provider is providing companion care services, it means their job description involves providing respite for the primary caregiver, carrying out light household chores, providing companionship and offering encouragement. Other duties may include:

  • Washing the dishes
  • Mopping and vacuuming
  • Doing laundry and ironing
  • Light cleaning
  • Watering plants
  • Maintaining pets
  • Grocery shopping
  • Preparing meals
  • Recreational activities
  • Running errands
  • Changing the bed linens
  • Taking the senior to appointments

Attendant care services

In-home care attendants can perform companion services and also perform hands-on senior care for the client. Their duties may include:

  • Bathing
  • Hair washing and shaving
  • Help with dressing
  • Medication reminders
  • Transferring
  • Toileting assistance
  • Other personal care needs

When you hire a professional senior care provider, family members can spend more quality time with their elderly relative. Otherwise, a substantial amount of time is spent running errands and performing chores rather than being a real companion to the senior.

Senior care can keep the senior longer in their home as it gives them more independence and the familiar comfort of home. It eliminates the need for having to move the senior to a nursing home since all their needs are being met.

Non-medical in-home care benefits family members who live a considerable distance away from their elderly relatives. Regardless of the distance, you will have a peace of mind knowing that mom or dad is well taken care of, has someone to prepare their meals and even provide companionship.

A caregiver referred through a reputable in-home care agency, should communicate the senior’s condition regularly to the family, updating them on the senior’s physical, social and emotional well-being.

Medical In-Home Care

This is also known as skilled in-home care. Providers of this service include district nurses and other medical practitioners. District nurses usually visit people after they are discharged from hospital or if they have a long-term medical condition that requires ongoing nursing care. The nurse teaches the patient how to take care of themselves and shows their family how to support the patient. This nurse also checks to see if the patient needs the help of a specialist.

The senior’s doctor may refer the patient to an occupational therapist if their health is hindering them from performing daily tasks. Occupational therapists discover ways to make life easier for the senior.

Physiotherapy is also a crucial part of medical in-home care. A physiotherapist will visit the senior’s home if a medical condition, disability or injury restricts their movement or normal bodily actions. A physiotherapist helps your senior relative recover and gives advice on how to prevent recurrence or worsening.

You can seek non-medical in-home care from anywhere in Sherman Oaks and we will be more than glad to link you with a compassionate and skilled senior care attendant.