Healthy senior living at home

Kimberling Area Library recently hosted a Learning on Wednesday presentation by a representative from the Branson office of Home Instead, a network of care providers nationwide dedicated to helping senior citizens live safely and comfortably at home with personalized care. 

The meeting began with a discussion about the differences between In-Home Care and Home Health Care, something about which several attendees said they appreciated clarification. In-home care focuses on daily support and companionship by trained caregivers, but does not involve medical care. Examples of in-home help can include meal prep, bathing, keeping medications organized, or running errands. Payment is generally done by private pay, with possible assistance through long-term care insurance, the VA, etc., but is usually a significant savings over the cost of residential care.  

Home health care, on the other hand, involves medical services provided by nurses, therapists, or other licensed professionals: Wound care, post-operative rehabilitation and regular administration of needed injections are some examples. These services are often covered by Medicare, or assistance from insurance depending on the situation. In many cases, of course, a combination of the two might be needed, but together they can help older adults continue to enjoy the place they know as home.

At least 86% of older Americans say they want to age at home, and there are documented benefits to continued interaction with neighborhood friends, continuing to own a pet, and other lifestyle factors which are more difficult to do when living in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. In-home care is also available for shorter times of increased stress; for example, evening anxiety or if a loved one normally in the home is ill or traveling. 

While Home Instead is not the only reliable provider of in-home care, the presenter stressed the importance of choosing carefully, something some of the session attendees admitted to having learned the hard way. Agency-employed caregivers are generally recommended over a general marketplace search, as the caregivers are carefully screened, trained and insured; payroll and liability insurance are handled by the providing agency; and back-up care and support are always available. Marketplace ads, social media posts, etc., do not generally provide such peace of mind. 

Signs to look for that may indicate care is needed include these: 

• Unpaid bills or missed medications; 

• Social withdrawal from formerly pleasurable outings such as church or clubs; 

• Signs of anxiety or depression; 

• Declining attention to personal hygiene, housekeeping, etc. 

• Obvious decrease in mobility; 

• Changes in eating habits; 

• Increased forgetfulness or carelessness. 

Reputable providers including Home Instead offer a no-cost consultation to help determine if care is needed and to discuss schedule and payment options, etc. In the Branson area, get the conversation started by calling 417-231-0076, or visit https://www.homeinstead.com/ and search by your state and ZIP code.