Finding the right caregiver for your loved one is not as simple as it may seem. There are five types of in-home assistance that are available, and it’s important to get the right help, at the level that your older adult needs, so you will feel confident that they are safe and well-cared for. These are the four main types of in-home care most often needed for older adults.

Elder Care

Aging brings challenges that can affect the ability to do daily tasks. For example, older people with failing eyesight will have a difficult time preparing meals, and those who have limited mobility due to arthritis or other skeletal problems may find it hard to keep up with daily housekeeping tasks. For older people who have these types of life-limiting challenges but are otherwise doing ok, companion care—often called elder care or senior care—is needed. Companions can be found through agencies, word-of-mouth or personal references. A good companion will be patient, kind and listen carefully to what their senior needs. Their responsibilities may include:

• Cooking meals
• Light housekeeping such as laundry, tidying up and loading and unloading the dishwasher
• Help with bathing and dressing
• Help with toileting
• Transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store or other local spots
• Managing
• Making appointments

Make sure to check references when hiring a companion who is not found through an agency.

SoulTab can be used to make appointments with doctors, refill prescriptions and communicate with doctor’s offices. Try SoulTab today!

Dementia or Chronic Illness Care

Chronic illness is a fact of life for many older adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 60% have at least two. Many older adults require constant care due to their chronic conditions. Specialized caregivers may be needed for those with memory issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s, or for those with degenerative illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Specialized caregivers are available for specific types of problems. A specialized caregiver may be needed seven days a week for some people, or may come in to offer support to a family member who is the primary caregiver.

Post-Surgery and Rehabilitation Care

Surgery usually requires post-hospital stay in-home care from a few days to several weeks or more, depending on the health of the patient and the kind of surgery involved. It can be a burden on family members to care for the recovering patient, especially when it comes to personal care, including toileting and bathing, so a post-surgery aide is very helpful. Other types of care that may be required include occupational therapy and physical therapy, depending on what the doctor prescribes.

You can use SoulTab to schedule driving services to and from appointments. All of our drivers are screened for safety and reliability. Check out SoulTab for your peace of mind.

Respite Care

Respite care is mostly about giving a primary caregiver, most often an family member, a break from the very challenging job of taking care of an older adult with health challenges. Many people find themselves with more and more responsibilities as time passes and the side effects and symptoms their loved one’s illness becomes more and more severe. Respite care is when the caregiver takes a break and brings in someone else to take over for a few hours or days. Respite care is also available at many senior living communities and rehabilitation centers.