As we age, our bodies and minds go through changes that can make everyday activities more difficult. Many older adults find that they need assistance with daily activities like meal preparation, grocery shopping, and laundry. It's also important that they see their doctor regularly, but they may not be capable of traveling to a provider due to limited mobility. Home visits from senior care providers can be a great way to help your aging loved one stay safe and independent.
In-home care services can help your elderly loved one with a wide range of activities, and these services can be customized to meet your loved one's individual needs. Senior home care can also provide peace of mind for you and your family, as you'll know that someone is checking in on your loved one regularly and providing the assistance they need. If you're considering home visits for your aging loved one, we've outlined everything you need to know about how home visits can benefit them.
Access to Care
Home visits provide easy access to care for patients who may have transportation issues or live in rural areas. For senior citizens, this type of care is incredibly beneficial. Home-based care services allow older adults to age in place, surrounded by the comforts of their own home. In addition, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are not always an option for those who live in rural areas. By bringing health care providers directly to patients' homes, home visits make it possible for every senior to receive the care they need. This is especially important for those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Home visits provide a level of convenience and flexibility that is essential for many patients.
Reduced Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations
Many older adults prefer to age in their own homes, and home-based care can support this goal while also providing health benefits. A recent study found that home visits can help manage chronic conditions and prevent exacerbations that could lead to an ER visit or hospitalization. The study looked at a group of older adults who were living in a nursing home and those who received visits from a home care provider. The researchers found that those who received regular home visits from a support team experienced fewer exacerbations of their chronic conditions. In addition, the home visits helped to support the family members of the seniors, providing them with peace of mind and ensuring that they had the support they needed. Home-based care can play a key role in helping to keep older adults healthy and independent and help to keep them from experiencing health complications.
Improved Quality of Life
Home visits can provide older adults with an improved quality of life as they can age in place while maintaining their independence and dignity. Home visits provide seniors with personal care services that are focused on making life easier for them.
Some of the personal care services seniors can receive include:
- Medication management - Helping seniors have access to the proper medication, providing regular medication reminders, and ensuring they take it as prescribed.
- Physicals - A home care provider will conduct physical exams in the senior's home. They will assess blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, as well as help manage chronic conditions.
- Health Screenings - Screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions can be conducted in the home. These screenings can help to catch problems early and prevent serious health complications
For seniors who are at risk of being placed in a nursing home, home visits can help them stay in their own homes longer by providing the necessary support and services. Having a home care provider can also provide social and emotional support to seniors who may be isolated or lonely. As a result, home visits can play an important role in improving the quality of life for older adults.
Home visits can ensure that your aging loved one receives the care and support they need. If you're considering home care for your aging loved one, let the senior care team at PT Family Medicine help with home visits. Our primary care providers are experienced in caring for seniors and can develop a personalized, compassionate care plan to meet your loved one's unique needs.
If you need assistance caring for an aging loved one, let the senior care team at PT Family Medicine help with home visits.
If you're considering home care for your aging loved one, be sure to ask about PT Family Medicine's home visit program. Our primary care providers are experienced in caring for seniors and can develop a personalized, compassionate care plan to meet your loved one's unique needs.
PT Family Medicine provides personalized care to patients across greater Pittsburgh, integrating primary and preventative care with sports medicine to offer a patient-centered approach. We offer services ranging from senior primary care and sports medicine to pediatrics. If you are interested in senior primary care or other health care services, schedule an appointment online or reach out to us at (724) 527-2700. You can also visit our office located at 2057 State Route 130, Suite #1, Jeannette, PA 15644.
