4 Health Benefits of Personal Home Care

Understanding Personal Home Care

Personal home care is distinct from other forms of healthcare, such as hospital care or assisted living facilities, in that it takes place in the person’s own residence. It provides personal care services and assistance with daily activities while allowing an individual to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their surroundings. Older adults remain connected to their social circles, friends, and family which can positively impact their emotional health.

Personal home care provides tailor made plans that can be adapted and modified over time as an individual’s needs change. Home care can be more cost effective than other forms of healthcare, especially when compared to the expenses associated with hospital stays or residential care facilities. Overall, personal home care maintains independence and improves an individual’s quality of life, making it a valuable and often preferred option for older adults and families.

Personalized Hygienic Care

Personalized hygienic care plays an important role in contributing to older adults overall well-being. Having personal home care can provide assistance in regular hygiene tasks such as bathing, oral care, and grooming to prevent infections, skin issues, and other health concerns that can arise from poor personal care. Proper hygienic practices are essential for reducing potential for bedsores, reducing the spread of disease, and protecting those most vulnerable to illnesses.

Caregivers providing personal home care are trained to approach hygienic tasks with sensitivity to ensure the privacy and dignity of individuals. They work collaboratively with individuals to help them participate in their personal care routines to the best of their ability. This ensures that the care provided is respectful of each person’s needs and comfort level. This aspect also carries into older adults feeling clean, and comfortable, which may increase an individual’s confidence and willingness to engage in social activities.

Health Condition and Disease Management

Individuals that need support to manage health conditions and diseases can benefit from personal home care. Home care providers work with healthcare professionals to support individualized care plans tailored to the specific needs of and challenges of each person with a chronic health condition. This can include monitoring of symptoms, and overseeing that medication is being taken as prescribed, and detecting any changes or early signs of complications related to chronic conditions.

Caregivers often receive specialized training to handle specific diseases or health conditions. This may cover the nature of the condition, symptoms to watch for, appropriate intervention, and how to support individuals in managing their condition on a day-to-day basis. In addition, personal home caregivers can assist with exercises and activities recommended by healthcare professionals and encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. All of these factors can positively impact the management of chronic conditions and diseases and benefit a person’s overall health and well-being.

Nutrition Support

Nutritional support is a crucial, and often overlooked, component of overall health for older adults in maintaining and improving their physical well-being and strengthening their immune system. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential for older adults to meet their energy requirements, support bodily functions, and ensure individuals receive the necessary fluids, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and prevent malnutrition and dehydration. Caregivers are available to play a role in educating older adults about health eating habits and providing guidance on making nutritional food and fluid choices.

Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss are common concerns for older adults especially for those with decreased appetites or have difficulty eating. Because proper nutrition is closely linked to the management of chronic health conditions, personalized dietary plans can be designed to address specific health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or gastrointestinal disorders. Personal home caregivers work with healthcare professionals and dieticians to support customized meal plans that take into account a person’s tastes, preferences, dietary restrictions, and health conditions to ensure that the meals are not only nutritious but also enjoyable.

Emotional Well-being and Social Interaction

The social-emotional well-being of older adults is closely intertwined with their physical care. Positive emotional states can enhance cooperation with physical care routines, medication management, and adherence to treatment plans. Personal home caregivers recognize this connection and work to create a holistic approach to their care by also addressing the importance of emotional and social care for older adults.

Social interaction with others such as friends and family members can boost the emotional energy for older adults that may feel isolated or disengaged. Caregivers often act as the liaisons and facilitators for social opportunities by coordinating activities, outings, and events that an individual enjoys. Playing games, doing puzzles, or engaging in discussions can stimulate cognitive function, which contributes to mental sharpness. Supporting older adults to maintain social interactions in addition to providing overall health management gives older adults a greater overall sense of health and well-being.

Find a Caregiver Through Independent Living Services

Personal homecare is ideal for older adults who are relatively independent and do not require medical care but benefit from social interaction and assistance with light tasks. Professionals at UDS’ Independent Living Services take extra care to find the perfect personal home caregiver match who are trained, bonded, and insured, and receive PA state police criminal, fraud, and child abuse background check.  In addition, there are no upfront costs for non-medical in-home personal care services.

Learn More

Whether you need assistance a few hours a day, a few days a week, or 24-hour in-home personal care services, ILS is there for you. For more information on ILS’ in-home personal care options, contact our Resource Center at (888) 837-4235 or complete a contact form to learn more about our in-home personal care services. ILS proudly services counties in PA. A full map of the counties can be found here.