What is Elder Care - Caring for Elderly Parents

Elder care, often referred to as senior care, is specialized care that is designed to meet the needs and requirements of senior citizens at various stages. As such, elder care is a rather broad term, as it encompasses everything from assisted living and nursing care to adult day care, home care, and even hospice care.

The level and types of elder care varies from a live-in care facility which caters to older people with special health care needs to in home care when a nurse or home health aide visits for a few hours for a day throughout the week.

Elder care allows seniors and the elderly with special needs remain in their home. Elder care is also for individuals at home who are chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or disabled. In this article we'll be discussing the type of elder care services provided by in-home care companies.

Non Medical In-Home Care Companies Can Provide:

Personal care, such as help with bathing, washing your hair, or getting dressed
Homemaking, such as cleaning, yard work, and laundry
Cooking or delivering meals
Health care, such as having a home health aide come to your home

You can get almost any type of help you want in your home. Some types of care and community services are free or donated. Many other types you have to pay for. Sometimes government programs or your health insurance will help cover the cost of certain home care services.

Since older people are prone to special health problems, the people who work in elder care typically participate in training programs which are designed to address these issues, ensuring a high level of care. There are many caregivers today providing elder care for their elderly loved ones.

On the more basic level, elder care involves caring for and looking after elderly individuals who may have trouble with mobility, transferring and driving. An elder care service (like those provided by home care agencies) may have a home care provider visit a few times a week to drop off groceries, prepare some meals and help tidy up around the house.

Caregivers typically stay 3-4 hours. The care provider might also pick up letters for mailing, help clients keep track of bills, feed their pets and generally ensure that someone is healthy and living in a clean, pleasant environment. Even at this level, the care provider provides a very important service: companionship for the elderly.

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DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.

What is Elder Care?

Services Provided by Non Medical In-Home Care Agencies