How Do You Get Home Help for the Elderly?

Written by:

Jeffrey Grossman

Published:

July 25th, 2022


An AARP survey reports that 90% of adults age 65 and older desire to live independently in their homes. These are common statements made by seniors living at home who prefer to age in place:

“I’ve lived here most of my life. I’m not moving.”

“I don’t need anyone’s help.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.”

Some older adults don’t require help (yet) and don’t see a need for elderly assistance at home. However, situations may change quickly, and it’s best to have a plan in mind. For instance, an injury from a fall, or a new diagnosis, such as Alzheimer’s, may completely change someone’s ability to care for themselves. This blog discusses how to get help for older people living alone to ensure they’re safe and taken care of. We also provide resources for senior care that will support the families of aging loved ones.

In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.

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What Help Is Available for the Elderly at Home?

In-home Care

In-home caregivers help the elderly stay in their homes. In-home services for seniors is a great option for aging adults who need regular assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). These ADLs include bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transfers, medication reminders, meal prep, transportation, etc.Caregivers are a special kind of professional who genuinely desire to care for seniors. One of the many in-home caregiving services is companionship. A companion caregiver remedies the loneliness older adults may experience living on their own by keeping them company.In-home care offers hands-on support to the elderly, making it safer for them to age in place. However, your loved one will probably need a more specialized form of care at some point. Keep reading to learn more about finding help for older people living alone who may require more extensive elderly assistance at home.

Live-in Care

Live-in care offers daily help for elderly adults who want to live at home instead of moving to an assisted living home or a family member’s house. Live-in caregivers move into your loved one’s residence and provide 16 hours of care per day. It’s important to note that live-in caregivers must be given a place to rest and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep in a 24-hour period. As a result, there are 8 hours when your elderly parent is unattended, normally at night.Consider live-in care if your elderly loved one requires the most care during daytime hours but doesn’t need help at night. However, 24-hour care is a better option if they need around-the-clock care.

24-hour Home Care

The most comprehensive in-home service for seniors is 24-hour care. Other names for this type of elderly assistance at home include full-time home care, 24/7 home care, and around-the-clock care. When your aging loved one requires attention day and night, 24-hour care is the most suitable solution.Although the titles may seem similar, live-in and 24-hour care are distinct. The most significant difference between the two is that 24-hour caregivers don’t sleep on the job. Instead, 24-hour caregivers rotate every 8 to 12 hours. They remain watchful throughout the night and support seniors if they wake up. Overnight care for seniors gives family members peace of mind knowing that their loved one is continuously being monitored. Whether your aging family member recently had surgery or suffers from a chronic condition such as dementia, you may want to consider 24-hour home care. 

Get Help for Older People Living Alone

At Commonwise Home Care, we care for both elderly adults and their families. We offer a wide range of in-home services for seniors, enabling your loved one to age in place safely. In addition to caregiving, we offer care management. Our elder care managers provide family members with resources for senior care to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s well-being.Whether your aging parent could benefit from a helping hand around the house, a live-in caregiver, or 24/7 support, we have a care solution for them. Our team is dedicated to helping seniors retain their independence, health, and happiness.As we care for aging loved ones, families want to stay informed and connected. With that in mind, we use a care management tool called “Family Room.” This web platform empowers clients and their families to track our care relationship. With Family Room, families can:

  • View scheduled care

  • View caregiver assignments

  • View care logs and shift tasks

  • Keep everyone connected 

  • Pay electronically

Keeping the elderly in their own homes for as long as possible avoids putting them through undue stress. If you’re wondering how to get in-home help for the elderly, contact Commonwise Home Care.

In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.

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9 Resources for Older Adults Aging in Place