What are the options if my parents can’t be left home alone?
Currently, statistics show that 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, the majority of whom choose to spend their aging years living at home. While there are proven benefits to living in the familiar environment of one’s home versus moving into a retirement home or an assisted living facility, there comes a time when it may no longer be safe for an individual to be left home alone. For example, one in four Americans over 65 will experience a fall this year. In addition, over the last two years, Florida has issued 227 Silver Alerts. The good news is that there are a variety of in-home care options for aging adults.
What are the at-home options if my parents can’t be left home alone?
There are a variety of both at-home skilled and unskilled caregiver options available including Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Companion Care, and Home Health Aides (HHA). Each caregiver is licensed or certified within the discipline they have studied and must work within the scope of their license or certification. Furthermore, each caregiver offers different in-home care services.
Companion Care is a unique service because many clients can still perform some everyday functions but need just a little extra assistance. An in-home companion caregiver can help with errands, transportation, personal care, and eating, among other daily activities. Additionally, companions share in leisure activities like doing puzzles, watching tv, and even going for a stroll around the neighborhood.
Similar to companion care, an HHA helps with household activities, but can also take it a step further if need be. They can help by managing money, preparing meals, shopping, and managing medication.
A CNA can help with checking vitals, dressing and feeding patients as well as all of the following:
- Move or transport individuals
- Reposition bedridden patients
- Assist with daily hygiene routines such as bathing
- Help with treatment plans
- Communicate reports with doctors and nurses
An LPN is crucial for help with important health and wellness duties. This can include routine care, assistance with bathing and dressing, checking blood pressure, administering medication, starting an IV drip, and communicating with the individual’s healthcare professionals.
Lastly, RNs provide an additional layer of service from LPNs. An RN not only performs diagnostic tests and administers medication, but they can also organize care plans and can manage other caretakers including the ones mentioned above.
What is the next step?
Whether your loved one needs round the clock care or assistance for just a few hours a day, 24/7 Nursing Care has caregiver placement services to fit your needs. Our team understands that each case is unique and offers free in-home assessments to strategize the best plan to fit your needs. Call us today at 786-518-3622 in Miami-Dade or 954-949-1332 in Broward.
