Transforming Lives with In-Home Care for Disabled Adults

Being held back is never a good feeling, especially when we have no say. This is what a disability feels like; a physical shackle that restricts a person from leading an everyday life. And when it comes to older adults, the challenges of disabilities supplement an already aging body!

So how can an aging person experience a sliver of normalcy while bound by the restraints of disability? Well, the answer lies in specialized home care for disabled adults. Here is what you need to know to transform a senior life for the better!

Types of home care for the elderly

By going on the internet and typing out ‘in-home care for disabled adults near me,’ you will likely find home care service providers and their offerings! While it is crucial to have a plethora of home care providers ready to serve you with personalized care, it is best to be informed about.

There are many different forms of home care available for disabled adults. The most common types of home care include:

1. Personalized care: This type of home care involves supporting older adults with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

2. Respite care: Respite care involves providing temporary relief for caregivers to take a break or go on vacation.

3. Skilled nursing care: This is the care of a nursing home in your home. A registered nurse or other healthcare professional provides this type of care and is availed by older adults who need help managing chronic conditions.

4. Home health aide: Home health care for disabled adults is provided by trained professionals who can help with ADLs, provide companionship, help with medication management, and even run errands.

5. Dementia home care: This is a specialized care form handled by trained professionals, given to older adults with cognitive problems. Dementia home care is crucial as many seniors have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Why seniors with disabilities have it hard

Imagine that your fellow senior peers who you grew up with, who you know personally, or a professional, are out there living a stimulating retirement wrapped with a golden fleece in assisted living communities. The only problem they know is the burden of an aging body.

Being disabled has its difficulties, especially if you are a senior living with such conditions. There are several challenges disabled adults experience, including:

1. Physical challenges

Many disabled adults have physical limitations that make it difficult to perform daily activities independently.

2. Social isolation

Such physical challenges mean isolation from your peers. Disabled adults may be isolated from their friends and family, leading to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

3. Emotional struggle

When the mind is in such a negative state, it is natural for the emotional burden to wash over any shred of positivity someone may have.

4. Cognitive challenges

It is even difficult for those with cognitive problems. Some disabled adults have cognitive impairments that make it difficult to understand and follow instructions.

5. Financial challenges

Physical and physiological difficulties can be taxing, but in-home care can be expensive (depending on the state). This can make it difficult for disabled adults to meet their required care expenses.

Must Know: In home care for disabled adults

As the population ages, the number of adults living with disabilities also increases. Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in four adults in the United States lives with some form of disability?

This can be a scary take on a possibility that can hit anyone without warning! For older adults who are disabled, home care should be the primary choice of residence. Then comes the main daunting task; choosing the proper home care!

Here is what you need to keep in mind:

Type of care

You must first assess individual requirements, whether it’s help with daily activities, medical care, or companionship. Disabled adults, however, will need help with almost everything, especially if they are at home!

Level of care

Depending on the level of disability, some older adults may only need help a few hours a week, while others may need help around the clock. Determine the vital hours, from part-time to around-the-clock assistance.

Availability of care

Consider the location and home care provider specialization to match the needs of the disabled older adult. For example, if an individual needs help with medical care, they may need to find a disabled home care provider qualified to support the problem that is called for.

Cost of care

Home care costs (especially for people with disabilities) can differ based on care type and provider fee structures. In general, it can cost a little extra as supporting disabled seniors require more attention and round-the-clock assistance.

Quality of care

It is important to interview potential providers and ask them about their experience working with disabled adults. This means inquiring about experience, training, and relevant qualifications—for example, a disabled older adult with cancer.

But here are three core factors you have to take into consideration!

1. The caregiver’s personality: Being professional is one thing, but that should not get in the way of an upbeat personality. The caregiver will spend much time with the disabled adult, so they must have a well-suited personality.

2. The cultural background of the caregiver: On top of the sound personality, humility and appreciation are incredible traits. The caregiver should respect the disabled adult’s cultural environment and consider it when giving compassionate care.

3. The language spoken by the caregiver: If the disabled adult does not speak English, it is vital to find a caregiver who can speak their language.