HOMECARE FOR ELDERLY ADULTS

The term "homecare" covers many services. These range from help with house cleaning, cooking, and shopping as well as skilled nursing service, such as care of patients with feeding tubes, catheters, and breathing devices.

Being at home can be more reassuring and pleasant for elderly adults with special healthcare needs. Family members and friends can learn basic care giving skills. Some of these skills are easy to learn, such as changing a bed and providing skin care. Helping with personal care like bathing and using the toilet are skills that can also be learned. Any equipment that may be needed such as a special bed, portable commodes, bed-pans, urinals and other care aids can be purchased or rented from a medical supply company.

Follow these basic guidelines for homecare:

Set up a room to safely accommodate the needs of the patient and caregivers. A large window and cheerful pictures help create a pleasing environment. A moveable table should be available for easily reached personal items. Seating for the patient and their visitors supports socialization.

Wash skin with mild soap and rinse well. Avoid harsh scrubbing. Apply a moisturizing lotion to skin to reduce dryness and itching. Light powder on the sheets or a sheepskin can reduce friction. Use a sheet to help in lifting so the patient does not slide on the bed. Keep the sheets and bedclothes dry, clean, and free of wrinkles.

A large pillow can be purchased to help a person sit up in bed. If a person is unable to move easily, pillows may be used for added support and positioning. Never place pillows under the knees.

If the patient is unable to move on his or her own, change their position at least every 1 to 2 hours to prevent a pressure sore from developing. Constant pressure on the skin squeezes the tiny blood vessels that supply the skin with nutrients and oxygen. When the skin is starved of nutrients and oxygen for too long, a sore can develop.

Make mealtimes social. Provide a healthy diet of smaller portioned meals. Between meals, snacks like fresh fruit, yogurt, or peanut butter and crackers can add healthy calories. If chewing or swallowing is a problem, scrambled eggs or egg salad, custard, mashed potatoes, or other soft foods are good options. Sauces enhance swallowing and can improve taste. Talk with the healthcare provider and dietician about the patient's diet and nutritional supplements.

Help the patient feel comfortable, clean, and safe. Eliminate boredom with radio, TV, video tapes or DVDs, reading materials, puzzles, games, visitors, or a computer. Senior centers and adult daycare centers offer options for socialization and learning new skills.

Home caregivers can also help the patient manage their own needs. Do not feel as a caregiver that you need to do everything. Find out what adult daycare centers have to offer. Learn about programs and services available in the community. Arrange for help if more complex care is needed.

A registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or a home health aid may provide care. Other services may be provided by physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Be sure the home care aids are bonded and the agency has worker's compensation coverage. If not, check to see if your homeowner's insurance is adequate. Be sure to research the cost and services of homecare. A nursing home may be less costly if the patient needs complex, around the clock care.

To find an "area agency on aging" local chapter in your area, contact the United States Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit their website at www.eldercare.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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