Home health care needs vary from one family to another based on factors such as the living situation as well as the age and lifestyle of the patient. Regardless of these unique factors, one common goal that everyone wants from their home health provider is that they have experience and can provide quality specialized care. Consider these factors when choosing your next home health care in Maryland.
Geriatric care
When seeking home health care for an aging relative, one thing to consider is whether the company has experience in geriatric care and management. Geriatric care and management can include specialized services such as escorting patients to appointments, conducting care planning assessments, collaborating with out-of-town family members and assisting with moving into facilities.
Personal care
Being able to provide day-to-day personal care is an important part of a home health provider. Tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, running errands, grocery shopping or simply providing companionship can be provided by a home health provider. Depending on your loved one’s abilities, you may also need a provider to prepare light meals and help with hygiene tasks such as bathing and dressing.
Caregiver support
Caring for a loved one can be a satisfying yet demanding job. You feel comfortable because you are providing the care yourself, but learning this new line of work can be overwhelming. Some home health companies provide customized training that includes in-home demonstrations and coaching. Additionally, ask about respite care services which allow the patient’s full-time caregiver to take time off while a trained provider comes to the home to help.
Searching for the right home health care for your loved one is an important task. You want to make sure to find a company that employs trained and experienced providers. When you narrow down your list of possible providers, ask if their services include geriatric care, personal care and caregiver support. This will ensure that they are experienced in caring for aging adults, helping with day-to-day household tasks, and can also support loved ones who are caregivers. All three services are essential.
