 | Carla Shepherd owns the Right at Home franchise in Wichita. Right At HOme is a licensed Home Health Agency providing In-Home Care for individuals needing assistance to remain in their home. Carla is a former manager with Via Christi Health Services with over 20 years of health care experience. Also a Member of the National Privacy Duty Association. You can visit Carla at Right at Home, located at 7438 W. 21st St, Suite 123 in West Wichita. Call (316) 721- 6001, e-mail cjshep@ rah.kscoxmail.com or visit the website at www.rightathome.net/wichita |
Senior Living
2005-11-01 16:19:00
The gift that keeps on giving
: Can a holiday gift of care benefit senior citizens year-round?
ANSWER: Most senior citizens already have access to the material possessions they need, such as clothing, bath towels, bedding and small kitchen appliances. Rather than replacing these items as gifts thisholiday season, senior care experts suggest family members give the gift of care - a present that will benefit senior citizens year-round.When a senior citizen receives in-home care for a few hours or on a regular basis, that individual is able to live a happier and healthier life in the comforts of his or her own home. This gift not only benefits the senior citizen, but the family members, as well. Such care can reduce stress on the entire family. This type of care also allows more quality time between the loved one and his or her family members.Families can establish a set dollar amount to spend on care. They also can determine how much care is needed for their loved one on a regular basis, such as visits by the caregiver once a week or even once a month. When in-home care is arranged for an individual, that person can receive help around the home, with tasks such as washing the dishes, light cleaning or doing laundry. The caregiver also can run errands for the senior citizen and even assist with meal preparation on a regular basis.The amount of care given to the individual can certainly vary; senior citizens and their families can work together with caregivers to determine just how much assistance is necessary. That way, the senior citizen will retain control of his or her life while still living at home.The US Department of Health and Human Services agrees that in-home care can yield a healthier life for senior citizens. The department states that promoting the healthy lifestyles of older Americans is vital inhelping them maintain health and functional independence. Coordinating care can be an introduction to in-home care for family members and their loved ones, seniors may be reluctant to seek out such care for themselves, so the family's purchase of this care can ease that transition.All senior care should offer in-home supportive care and assistance to seniors and other adults to help them continue to live independently. Remember that all direct employees of a direct care provider, should be bonded and insured, and carefully pre-screened prior to their entering a client's home. Another very important item to consider is making sure that all ongoing care is monitored and supervised. Some may provide medical home healthcare, as well.
