In a study put out by the University of Michigan and the Urban Institute, it was found that half of all senior citizens require some form of in-home care or services. Whether your loved one needs assistance with medication and self-care activities or would just benefit from frequent check-ins and assisted transportation, it’s likely that you’ve considered elder care services.
We know you want to make sure that when you choose adult companion services in Little Rock, you’re selecting the best possible care for your loved one. Good in-home care providers strive to make the aging process easier and more comfortable for both seniors and their loved ones. If possible, discuss the qualities you would like to see in their care with your elderly loved one.
We’ve compiled a list of benefits, services, and offerings to look for when you’re researching senior in-home personal care in Little Rock to help you get started.
Professional and Committed
Seniors and their families should look for a company that is knowledgeable, professional, well-established, and that has an excellent reputation. Make sure that the home care provider puts their caregivers and employees through a comprehensive interview process to ensure that they are truly passionate and dedicated to their careers.
As you search for a suitable senior care program in Little Rock keep in mind that they should exhibit a commitment to service. Commitment to service is an important quality in a caregiver—especially one who will be caring for the elderly. The home care provider should match a caregiver with your loved one based on their unique personality, interests, needs, and the level of care required. This helps your loved one form a comfortable relationship with their caregiver, which is essential to their long-term happiness.
When you’re interviewing caregivers or discussing possibilities with your in-home care provider, bring your loved one along if possible so they can interact with one another. Do they communicate well? Are there any language barriers or personality clashes that will make communication difficult? Do they enjoy one another’s company?
Evaluate the Elder’s Needs
Studies have found that many elderly people are more afraid of losing their independence than they are of dying. With this being the case, you should try to look for an in-home service provider that understands the importance of protecting your loved one’s privacy and autonomy as much as possible.
Ask about the different levels of care provided and decide what you and your loved one are comfortable with. Do you need someone to check in once a day and maybe help with a few physical tasks? Or do you need full-time care to ensure their wellbeing and safety?
Signs That Your Loved One May Need In-Home Care
If your loved one exhibits any of these signs, it may be time to consider getting them some help:
- Physical Deterioration – they feel thin and frail, cannot lift moderately heavy items, or they bruise easily
- Decreased mobility – trouble walking, moving, going up and down stairs, or an inability to drive safely
- A decline in hygiene and grooming – infrequent bathing, a strong smell of urine, dirty clothes, or a generally disheveled appearance that is out of the ordinary
- Forgetfulness – forgetting to take medication, lock the doors, the names of family and friends, directions home, or other key pieces of information
- Trouble keeping up with their finances – piles of unopened statements, utilities being shut off, or applications for multiple credit cards
- A dirty or cluttered home – difficulty keeping up with housework, piles of dirty dishes, unswept floors
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities – stop visiting friends, gardening, knitting, playing games, or engaging in social interactions (these can be signs of decreasing mobility as well as depression)
Senior Safety Tips When Considering In-Home Care
If you’re not sure what level of care your loved one may need, explain your concerns and your elder’s conditions and ask the care provider about their experience with similar cases.
The best in-home care providers will have an assessment process already in place to help them evaluate the level of care and companionship their clients may need.
Ask About Employee Training
When you’re looking for adult companion services in Little Rock, you have to consider the level of training and experience the caregivers have received. For safety, it’s also good to make sure the in-home care provider runs thorough background checks on their caregivers. While elder abuse is rare, it can take on many forms—including physical and financial abuse. You want to make sure you’re leaving your loved one with someone you can trust.
When you ask about training, you can also ask about any certifications or courses the provider requires their caregivers to complete. Ask about the medical and nursing qualifications they may have. If your loved one has special care needs, ask about corresponding areas of specialization.
Understand Expenses
We understand that many people are concerned about the cost of home health care. In many cases, long-term insurance will cover at least part of your expenses. The care provider should be able to understand and walk you through any paperwork required.
In general, Medicare does not pay for the majority of eldercare services. However, between Medicare and insurance, the cost may be lower than you fear—especially if your loved one only needs lighter assistance.
Remember—you should not pay a caregiver directly. This is usually a red flag. In most cases, you will be paying the agency. You should also try to find a care provider that does not try to lock you into a long-term contract. Always read the contracts thoroughly before signing and ask about their termination policies.
Senior Care Program In Little Rock
If you are looking for a senior care program or adult companion services in Little Rock, contact Integrity Inc. at 501-406-0442 for more information about how we can help you. We offer elder care services that range from occasional assistance to full-time in-home care. Let us help you care for your loved one and give them the independence and compassion they deserve.