At-Home Personal Care for Seniors and People who are Disabled: What You Need to Know

Written by Anna Bullough

As our loved ones age, it can be tough to see them struggle with tasks that were once so easy for them. 

Things like bathing, toileting, and grooming can become a source of frustration and embarrassment for seniors and disabled individuals, and it’s not always easy for families to provide the care they need. 

When it comes to personal care services for your elderly or disabled loved ones, hiring a professional caregiver can offer peace of mind that they are receiving the proper care and attention they need. With the support of a trained and experienced caregiver, your loved ones can receive personalized assistance with activities of daily living, allowing them to maintain their dignity and independence. This can also relieve the burden on family members who may be struggling to provide adequate care.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of personal care services for the elderly and disabled, and provide guidance on how to find the right caregiver for your loved one. 

With the right support, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care they deserve.

What Is Personal Care for Seniors and the Disabled?

Personal care services are designed to assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs). Here are some of the basic self-care tasks known as ADLs:

• Bathing: Assistance with taking a bath or shower, including getting in and out of the tub or shower.
• Toileting: Help with using the toilet or commode, including cleaning and changing.
• Grooming: Assistance with personal hygiene tasks like brushing hair, cleaning teeth, and shaving.
• Dressing: Aid with getting dressed and undressed, including choosing appropriate clothing.
• Eating: Assistance with feeding oneself, including preparing and serving meals if necessary.

In addition to ADLs, at-home care services for the elderly or disabled may also include:

• Assistance with mobility, including transfers and position changes for bed bound individuals
• Medication management and reminders
• Support for outings, social events, and shopping trips
• Care for those with memory or cognitive impairments
• Support for special diets, nutrition, and exercise programs prescribed by a physician
• Monitoring for changes in condition
• Fall risk assessment and prevention assistance

We understand that privacy is a real concern for many families when it comes to activities like bathing, toileting, and grooming. By hiring a compassionate and well-trained caregiver, you can be confident that your loved one’s privacy will be respected, and their dignity maintained. This is especially important if family members are uncomfortable participating in these activities or if they want to preserve their loved one’s autonomy.

The goal of these personal care services for disabled adults and the elderly is to promote independence and enhance their quality of life. 

Who Can Receive In-Home Care Services?

In-home care services are typically provided to the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals recovering from injury, illness, or chronic conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Unlike home health care services, personal care services do not require a prescription or regular certification and are focused on non-medical needs. 

To determine the most suitable personal care services for your loved one, it is important to talk with their medical team and personal care agency or assistant. 

Depending on the circumstances, some individuals may benefit from a combination of both personal care services and home health care, while others may only require personal care services. 

Why Are Personal Care Services Beneficial?

Choosing in-home care for a loved one can be a tough decision, but it comes with a lot of benefits that can make a significant difference in their life. Here are some of the benefits you can provide your loved one by hiring in-home care services:

• Ability to Stay at Home: Seniors can continue living in their own homes, which is often their preference. They can receive companionship and support from personal care services, and this assistance can enable them to live safely and comfortably at home for years.
• Lower Cost: In-home care is usually much more affordable than assisted living or nursing homes, providing relief for families who are already under financial pressure.
• Personalized Needs: Personal care attendants focus on the specific needs of the client, providing personalized attention and care. Seniors can receive 24-hour care or only an hour or so per day, depending on their situation.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: In-home care allows seniors to maintain their independence, form a close bond with their caregiver, and enjoy a wonderful quality of life. It’s a more personal and intimate experience than they would have in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Overall, choosing in-home care for seniors can offer numerous benefits, making it a great option for families considering elderly care.

How to Hire Someone to Provide Personal Care Services

Hiring a caregiver can be a daunting task, but there are several steps families can take to make the process easier. The first step is to determine the type and level of care needed.

Once you define the type and level of care, families can begin searching for a caregiver. There are several ways to find a reputable caregiver or agency, including online reviews, referrals from friends and family, and recommendations from healthcare professionals.

When interviewing potential caregivers, you should ask about their experience, training, and certifications. Make sure a company performs background checks on their staff, and ask for references. 

Legal and financial considerations are also important when hiring a caregiver. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the caregiver’s fees, as well as any contracts or agreements that need to be signed.

The Importance of Communication and Transparency

Effective communication is key to a successful caregiving relationship. You should establish clear communication channels with the caregiver, the client, and other family members. This can include regular check-ins, written care plans, and open dialogue about any concerns or issues that arise.

Transparency is also important. You should be upfront about your loved one’s needs and expectations, and should ensure that the caregiver has all the information they need to provide high-quality care. 

Additionally, you should encourage the caregiver to ask questions and provide feedback, and should be receptive to any suggestions or concerns the caregiver may have.

Contact Us for Personal Care Services

Personal care for disabled adults or elderly adults is an important service that can make a significant impact on the lives of those who need it. By providing companionship, cleaning, bathing and toileting, cooking, and medication management, personal care assistants can improve the quality of life for the elderly and bring peace of mind to your family.

With the right personal care assistant, your loved one can maintain their independence and dignity while receiving the support they need. 

If you’re considering personal care services for aging parent or disabled loved one, contact us today to see if we’re the right fit. 

At Suzy’s Senior Services, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality care to our clients. Our experienced caregivers are dedicated to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each individual we serve.

If you’re considering personal care services for an aging parent or disabled loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We would be happy to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can assist you in providing the care your loved one deserves. Contact us at 801-540-2077 to learn more.

Suzy’s Seniors has been a total blessing to my wife and me.

“Her gal is like a daughter to us and helps with anything Kae wants done: fixing a lunch, dressing her, doing her nails, listening as a best friend to both of us, taking my wife to the store, therapy with her sprained hand and arm, making beautiful arrangements, warm hugs—anything we need. Thank God there is such a wonderful organization.”

– Kae & Earl Manning