Are you looking for quality in-home senior care that will allow your loved one to stay close to home in Vermont or New Hampshire? When it comes to choosing a home healthcare provider for your loved one, you want the best. After all, a compassionate, caring environment can make a difference in your loved one’s physical and mental health resulting in a better quality of life for everyone – yourself included!
Peace of mind in choosing in-home senior care doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some of the services that you’ll want to make sure are provided and where you can find them.
Quality staff
An in-home senior care business with an established record of quality will not only have employees who have been with the company for a longer period of time but employees who are well-trained and experienced.
Affordability
It’s difficult to put a price on the care of a beloved family member, but now, more than ever, affordability likely factors into your decision of which home health care agency to work with.
In 2019 in Vermont, the average hourly rate for home care was $27.00. This figure is higher than the nationwide average for home care, which is $21.00 per hour, but if your goal is to keep your loved one nearby and/ or in his or her own home, rest assured that help is available.
Here are some resources for Vermont residents looking for financial assistance with securing home health care services:
- The Vermont Medicaid program is called Green Mountain Care. The program pays for limited in-home personal care, for those who are elderly and disabled who have limited funds.
- For additional resources, this comprehensive list provides many organizations, research groups, and excellent general information.
Personal care
Part of maintaining dignity as we age is the ability to look and feel our best. The better we look, the better we feel! You should choose a home healthcare agency that can guarantee basic personal care of your loved one, including services such as grooming and dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, and toileting. A truly excellent home care agency will also provide services such as incontinence care, assistance with clothing selection and dressing, transfers to and from bed or chairs if needed, help with walking, exercises, skin care, and nail care.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is vital to keeping your loved one healthy and strong. But nutrition and mealtimes are about more than just making sure your loved one is eating well. It’s also an important time to socialize and break bread. Loneliness is common in older adults, and a quality in-home care provider will want to make sure that your loved ones’ physical and companionship needs are met.
Professional Medication Management
Unfortunately, confusion and dementia can be part of growing older. That’s why it is vital that your loved one has oversight of his or her medications. With a certified nurse overseeing your loved one’s medication plan and medical conditions, you can be assured of his or her safety.
Transportation and errands
With decreased independence, older adults can often become frustrated by the loss of certain freedom. For example, driving to doctor appointments and even to the grocery store can become unsafe. One of the things you should expect when choosing a home health care agency is a reliable staff to assist your loved one with transportation and errands. From trips to the pharmacy and the post office on your loved one’s behalf to having a qualified caregiver go with your loved one to doctor appointments, your in-home assistance provider should strive to meet your loved one’s needs.
Companionship and Recreation
Social isolation and loneliness are not only detrimental to our mental health, but they can worsen physical health problems as well. Unfortunately, as we age, the likelihood of facing isolation and loneliness increases. That’s why you should be sure to choose a home healthcare agency that guarantees compassionate caregivers who will engage your loved one in conversation, whether in person or over the phone, and encourage social activities to keep your loved one well in mind, body, and spirit.
What’s more, Vermont and New Hampshire happen to be rich in opportunities to keep your loved one happy and active! Whether your family member is a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a homebody, the rich culture and bustling social events that enrich the region will be sure to offer them something to spark their interest.
Housekeeping and Domestic Help
Light housekeeping can become difficult as we age, but it doesn’t need to mean loss of independence for your family member. When choosing a New England home health service, consider what types of light housekeeping and domestic help the agency will provide. For example, if your loved one needs assistance with things like dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors, and generally keeping his or her home neat and clean, a quality home care service will be able to provide these services – and more!
No matter your loved one’s in-home senior care needs, TLC Homecare will provide the best care possible with dignity and respect.