As our parents age, they may need help to complete tasks or participate in activities they once took for granted. But, just like most things, the kind of help they need and how much help they need differs from person to person. The trick is finding that balance – so they will accept the help, they’re safe, and you worry less.
We are all unique and complex individuals and we stay this way our entire lives. Expecting all seniors to act the same and need the same things is a one-size-fits-all (or cookie cutter) approach that just doesn’t work – for both the seniors and those who care for to them. Providing care to older adults requires a thoughtful and careful approach that allows the caretaker to assess just who an older adult is and what his or her unique needs are, so the best plan of care can be determined to keep the senior healthy and well at home.
Just like there are many different types of people with different needs, there are also many different types of in-home healthcare services and providers. Knowing which type of services or combinations of services are right for your loved one can help him or her live a happier, healthier life at home. Does your loved one need physical help, taking care of medicines, hygiene, and more? Does she need someone to provide medical treatment? Working with a licensed, bonded, and well-respected home healthcare provider like North Home Healthcare of Houston, Texas is important when looking for someone to help provide that care.
When it’s time to seek home healthcare for a loved one, a geriatric care assessment for daily function, depression, and mental status is an important step that a top-notch home healthcare provider will offer to determine what types of services are needed for an older adult.
A geriatric care assessment is designed to:
- Evaluate all of the issues and challenges that a senior might be experiencing
- Develop coordinated care plans to focus on interventions for identified issues
- Assess an older adult’s access to supports that can help him or her live at home
- Determine care needs and the frequency of care that should be provided
Once completed, a geriatric care assessment can lead to:
- Improving health outcomes
- Postponing the onset of disability
- Recognizing health changes before they become acute
- Improving quality of life
- Saving on healthcare costs
- Identifying rehabilitation needs
- Planning services to increase safety
- Discovering early-stage disease
- Determining a senior’s ability to care for himself or herself
- Identifying and correcting fall risks
During a geriatric care assessment, a home healthcare provider should also take the time to get to know the older adult for whom care will be provided – his or her life history, likes and dislikes, and sense of humor. Care should also be taken to get to know the senior’s family better. Understanding family dynamics, personal history, hobbies and interests, and more can all help home healthcare providers individualize the care they provide for the unique people they serve.
At North Home Healthcare, we’re committed to supporting the independence and dignity of every person we serve. Our skilled nursing staff can help you assess your loved one’s care needs and determine the right type of in-home healthcare services to ensure your loved one’s independence at home for as long as possible. The assessments will help determine what type of help we can offer, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even technology that makes staying at home safer.
Contact us today to find out more or to set up an assessment in the Houston, Texas area.
