The landscape of America’s elder care environment is changing. An increasing number of seniors are seeking to prolong their physical independence. Economic pressures spurred by the 2008 recession as well as the elevated disease risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many seniors and their families to consider options other than a nursing facility for elder care. Let’s look at some ways elder care is changing, and at in-home care’s growing role in senior living. 

Maintaining Independence

An increasing number of seniors have shown reluctance to enter a skilled nursing facility unless absolutely necessary. A major driver of this trend is the fact that people are living longer and are remaining functional well into their senior years. These seniors are able to live independently but may require some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as basic mobility, shopping, transportation, meal preparation, dressing, and light housekeeping.

Many seniors can maintain their independence with once or twice weekly visits from an in-home caregiver. Familiar surroundings have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, memory, and cognitive function among seniors. Also, independent living helps elders to maintain a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency that is lacking in a nursing facility environment.  

Reduced Costs

Another major force in the move toward in-home care is economic. Skilled nursing facilities are expensive, and many seniors lack the resources for initial buy-in costs or the high monthly fees charged by many long-term or skilled nursing facilities.

In-home care offers a substantial cost reduction when compared with full-time residency care. A caregiver can visit as often as needed and can provide the services, comfort, emotional support, companionship and intellectual stimulation that clients need to thrive—without incurring the high costs of residency living.

The Return of the Multi-Generational Home

During the first half of the 20th century, it was common for three or more generations of family members to reside under one roof. And there were some real economic benefits to this arrangement. Family income earners could pool their resources and share childcare responsibilities, while elders helped with chores and were cared for in the home. Multigenerational homes are on the rise again, with the advocacy group Generations United reporting that 51.4 million Americans now reside in multigenerational households, a 10% increase over figures from 2007.  This trend reverses that of the late 20th century, which tended to promote a nuclear family structure.

Given America’s growing number of multigenerational households, more families are searching for competent and compassionate care options within the home setting. In-home care aides can visit with elder family members once or more a week, as needed, and can assist with many ADLs. By providing these essential services, in-home caregivers can free family members to address remaining obligations.

Positive Health Impacts of In-Home Care

In-home elder care also provides some real health benefits for seniors. First, because it allows customized care in a familiar setting, home care increases comfort for clients. Regular one-on-one interactions between caregiver and client can also help slow cognitive decline. Caregivers can make use of a client’s familiar surroundings to create memory joggers to assist those with cognitive deficits or memory problems, as often accompany dementia.

In-home care has also been shown to reduce recovery times for seniors who’ve experienced a fall or surgical procedure, helping them bounce back both physically and emotionally.

Another advantage of in-home senior care is that family members are welcome to share their input with caregivers—helping to determine the best ways to share duties and delegate responsibilities.

At 5 Star Home Care, we provide compassionate and skilled caregivers for seniors seeking to maintain their independence. Our caregivers are experienced in working in the home setting and can assist with vital daily duties, provide companionship and conversation, and support effective communication between family members.

Looking for an alternative to senior residency care? Contact us today!

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Fortunately, in-home care can help. A qualified and compassionate in-home caregiver can provide not only essential assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, shopping, meal preparation, and light housekeeping—but can also be an invaluable companion.

 A Note About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days grow shorter and daylight becomes scarce, some people find themselves feeling sadder and less motivated than normal. Called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this cyclical depression can have a profound effect on seniors who may already be feeling pangs of isolation. SAD is estimated to affect about 10 million Americans, though the number of cases is probably higher due to under-reporting. SAD can compound existing feelings of isolation and can contribute to any existing mood disorders a person may have. Symptoms of SAD include:

• loss of interest in activities
• social isolation
• decreased appetite
• sleep disturbances
• trouble focusing
• decreased mental acuity

Beating the Winter Blues

Humans are social animals, and prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on our mood, mental acuity, and even physical health. Isolation has been shown, for example, to worsen depression and anxiety while decreasing feelings of  agency and self-sufficiency. That’s why it’s so important for community-dwelling seniors to maintain social connections during the winter months.

Let’s look at a few ways in-home care can help beat the winter blues

• Human Contact

Regular, scheduled visits from an in-home caregiver can offer clients consistent companionship and socialization to help keep the mind sharp.

• Conversation & Companionship

Consistent social interaction has been shown to have a positive affect on seniors with and without SAD. Social contact promotes an interest in life and in others while boosting mood.

• Preserving Memories

Many elders living independently suffer from memory deficits. An in-home caregiver can be a listener, encouraging clients to talk about their lives, and even reviewing old photo albums and scrapbooks.

• Games & Puzzles

One great way for seniors to maintain mental acuity is to play word games and puzzles. These simple activities can help reinforce problem-solving skills and even boost mood.

• Nutrition

Much of our mental and emotional health depends on a nutritious diet. An in-home caregiver can help seniors make healthy shopping choices and can assist in meal prep and food storage. At 5 Star Home Care, we believe that successful community care begins by supporting each client’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Our trained, compassionate caregivers enjoy engaging with clients and helping today’s community-dwelling seniors maintain an independent lifestyle. Want to learn more? Contact us today!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

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Prescription Drug Benefits differ greatly! With the changes in healthcare and Medicare, it is important to understand your coverage fully. Below are some facts to consider about your prescription drug plan.

Facts to consider—–Ask your pharmacist to help and explain.

Make sure you understand which drugs are covered and which drugs are not. There are different costs (deductibles) for different drugs. There are different costs for generic versus brand name drugs.

Mail order drugs and pharmacy drugs often vary greatly in cost. Often the co-payments for mail order drugs are much lower.

Mail order is also very convenient. You can refill your prescriptions online, by mail, or phone anytime day or night. Often you can speak directly with a pharmacist.

There is a higher risk safety wise with mail order versus pharmacy prescriptions. And mail time is another factor to consider when talking to your physician and pharmacist.

Supply limits, or the largest amount of medication you can get per co-payment, may vary greatly as well. Often, instead of a 30 day supply, you can get a 3 month supply if you order through a mail order pharmacy.

If you need a brand medication, your doctor MUST indicate that on your prescription.

Make sure you are not wasting money. Insurance companies make the rules when it comes to prescription drug coverage. Your job, with assistance of professionals is to make sure you get the most benefit at the lowest cost.

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