Aging in place is one of society’s buzzwords, but what does that phrase mean?

In essence, aging in place refers to the desires of older adults to remain living at home as they age, as opposed to having to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

It’s a phenomenon that’s gaining steam as research shows almost 90% of seniors prefer to age in place. It’s to their benefit to age in place as it provides them with greater satisfaction, improves their self-esteem, and enhances their quality of life, and home care services in Pennsylvania can fulfill the needs for aging in place.

Home Care and Aging in Place

Generally speaking, our society is aging in large numbers, as these statistics prove:

• By 2030, over 20% of residents in the United States will be older than 65 as compared with 13% in 2010, and 9.8% in 1970 (United States Census Bureau)

• About 50% of 65-year-olds will need long-term care services at some point in their lives. (Senior Health and Housing Task Force fielded by the Bipartisan Policy Center)

Source: https://aginginplace.org/

What kinds of services encompass in-home care?

• Emergency response systems

• In-home care

• Bathing nurses

• Caretakers for people with Alzheimer’s

Home Care Services Options for Seniors Aging in Place

In-Home Caregivers

• Assists with activities of daily living (shopping, meal preparation, grooming, etc.)

• Assists with personal care and hygiene (toileting, bathing, shaving, etc.)

• Provides medication reminders

• Assists with light housekeeping

Companion Care

• Provides company and companionship

• Provides socialization

• Reads to them

• Reduces isolation

Home Healthcare

• Provides short-term skilled medical care

• Provides nursing services

• Provides therapy

• Provides physical, occupational, or speech therapy

• Assists with recovery after a serious illness, accident, or surgery.

Hiring a Reliable Home Care Agency in Pennsylvania

1. Assess the need. Start a list of what your loved one needs, wants, likes, and dislikes. Take the doctor’s recommendations into account. Be aware that funding sources such as long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid require a doctor’s approval for in-home care services.

2. Enlist the help of a home care agency. Even if you haven’t figured out eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid, contact a home care services agency in Pennsylvania to get assistance with care or respite care.

How do you find reputable in-home care services for seniors in Pennsylvania?

• Ask friends and family members for referrals

• Search online (home care agency near me, home care in Pennsylvania, etc.)

• Read reviews

• Read senior care blogs

Why You Should Work With a Home Care Agency in Pennsylvania

While asking for help is never easy, it will ease your mind to learn of the many advantages of hiring senior caregivers through an agency:

• Workers are pre-screened and background checked.

• Caregivers with relevant experience are available.

• Agencies provide backup care and replacements.

• Services can be upgraded as needed.

• Agencies handle complaints and concerns with caregivers.

• Agencies cover the costs of liability protection.

• Agencies handle all the paperwork, insurance, and legalities.

A home care agency is the best option for ensuring seniors receive the care they need and ensuring they’re safe while aging in place.

It all starts with discussing a plan of care with home care agency intake representatives, where you will learn how the agency follows through with care needs and tracks your loved one’s progress.

If you’re in need of a home care agency in Pennsylvania, our experts at Abington Caregivers are happy to help. We can also show you how to get paid as a family caregiver through Medicare if that’s the best option for your family. We’ll also work with you if you will be paying out-of-pocket.

We accept long-term care insurance and veteran’s compensation. Just give us a call at (215) 600-3434 to get a free in-home consultation to learn how we can assist you with your loved one’s care needs.