Home Care Do I Really Need it?


Q. I am a seventy-year-old man. I can do almost anything
except, I had back surgery so my back often times hurts and I just recently had
surgery on my hand. I won’t let it slow me down though! I just work through the
pain. I don’t need home care do I?

A. Well, there are many different levels of home care that
are available. The most common type of home care help that comes to mind is a
Personal Care Attendant or Home Health Aide. They traditionally help with a
shower and personal cares. Maybe you are not ready for that yet. There are
homemakers that can come into your house and help you with your household tasks
such as vacuuming and laundry.  It mayseem small but, having a homemaker can help you stay in your home for a longer period of time. For example, let’s say you are mopping your floor and you slip and fall. That fall could cause you to break a hip and land you in the hospital and then the rehab unit. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Disease states that it can take up to six months to fully recover from
a hip replacement. The homemaker could have helped you prevent the pain and
suffering from the fall. Of course, if you need a little more help, help is
available to you. Some of the services offered by Home Care Agencies are:

· After Surgery Care

· Extended-Hour Care

· Geriatric Care

· Health Care

· Wound Care

· Light Housekeeping

· Meal Preparation

· Medical Care

· Medication Set-Up

· Pediatric Care

· Personal Hygiene

· Respite Care

· Routine Nursing Care

· Skilled Nursing Visit

 

Help can come to your home a few hours a day or many hours a week whatever you feel is appropriate. You decide the services that you want and need.