Can Frail Elderly Adults Use In-Home Elder Care?

By superadmin | April 5, 2018 |

Frail elderly adults are seniors over age 75 that have several specific characteristics. These include having moderate to serious medical issues, impaired physical or mental abilities, and a need for assistance in daily activities. Family members with frail elderly relatives spend a lot of time taking care of their needs, and also worrying about their health and safety. While moving them to a long-term care facility is one option, many family members are finding that in-home elder care resources provide more benefits overall.

Elder Care in Katy TX: Care for Frail Seniors

What Assistance Do Frail Elderly Adults Need?

Frail elderly adults are usually struggling with physical tasks that result from injury or illness. Examples include impaired mobility from a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, vertigo, blindness, diabetes, or a broken hip. This usually prevents them from doing basic tasks well, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, housekeeping, cooking, and more. Sometimes the frail elderly adult suffers from mental health issues as well, such as depression or dementia. Frail elderly adults also have a higher risk of developing additional health issues in the near future, complicating their condition greatly.

Two-thirds of frail elderly adults are likely to be women and living alone with a serious health issue. According to the Institute on Aging, over 90 percent of seniors over age 80 were living with one or more chronic condition that affected their independence. When it comes to family caregivers, the Institute on Aging reports that more than 43 million adult family members are caregivers to an elderly adult. In-home elder care is a critical part of making sure that seniors and family members are healthy and happy.

How Does In-Home Elder Care Benefit These Seniors?

Elder care agencies supply trained and professional caregivers to families with elderly adults that need assistance. This assistance can take on many forms, from helping with hygiene and grooming to running errands to simple companionship. Elder care aides can be scheduled to come a few times per week or to work in shifts if the aging person requires it. From housekeeping and driving to helping seniors get around the house safely, an elder care assistant can bring stability, expertise and care to the home.

There are many reasons why in-home elder care is beneficial to frail seniors. Most importantly, it is more affordable than a long-term facility, which can make a real difference to elderly adults on a fixed income or their family members who are supporting them. Home care also allows elderly adults to stay in their home where they are comfortable, reducing the trauma of moving and leaving behind family, friends, and community. Elder care is also more personalized, with just a few caregivers providing one-on-one care for their client. Family members also benefit because they are relieved of the stress and worry that comes with caring for their frail aging relative full time.

All in all, frail elderly adults can certainly benefit from in-home elder care, as long as their doctor approves of the arrangements. With affordable, flexible, personalized care, elder care agencies are the solution to many family issues regarding senior services.