Individuals with special needs require more extensive care and attention. For many families, this means dedicating a great deal of time to caregiving duties. Due to various life commitment and responsibilities, it is not always possible for families to provide loved ones with special needs the level of care they need to thrive. Fortunately, special needs in-home care services are available. Learn more about the benefits of in-home care, what services are provided to special needs individuals, and why you should call an in-home care agency to learn more.
Benefits of Special Needs In-Home Care
When an adult with special needs requires regular care, many families consider placing the person on a nursing facility. However, nursing homes are not the only option available, especially for individuals who would feel more comfortable remaining in their own home. Many nursing facilities focus more on end-of-life care and individuals with special needs do not always require this type of care. It is often a better choice to stay at home where the special needs individual can maintain a more uplifting and encouraging environment while still receiving the professional care that they need.
Staying at home is an effective way for individuals with special needs to maintain relationships with friends and family. When receiving in-home care services, individuals are provided personalized care designed to meet their unique emotional, social, behavioral, and vocational needs. Homecare providers also focus on other aspects of an individual’s life, such as their safety. To help ensure that your loved one does not suffer injury, a home care provider can help create a safe environment that is free of various hazards. The home can also be better equipped with equipment and tools to help those with special needs maintain a certain level of independence.
For family members, knowing that your loved one is being well cared for by industry professionals can provide great peace of mind. The demands that come with caring for a person with special needs can be significant. When juggling a family, career, and other obligations, adding one more responsibility to the list can become very overwhelming in a short amount of time. It is often a more selfless decision to have an in-home care agency provide the professional care that your loved one needs. This decision helps ensure that your loved one is really receiving top-quality care.
Signs That In-Home Care Is Needed
The decision whether to hire an in-home care agency to care for a loved one with special needs is not always black and white. It is important to consider many different aspects when deciding, such as the level of care that the person needs. Look for red flags that could indicate the need for professional in-home care, such as:
- Poor nutrition: If your loved one is not eating properly resulting in poor nutrition, then in-home care may be the right choice. A home care provider can help with grocery shopping and meal prep.
- Messy Home: Your loved one may not have the ability or motivation to keep their home clean. You might notice laundry piled up or dirty dishes in the sink. A home care provider can step in to help better manage the household.
- Diminished Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is important at all ages. If your loved one is failing to brush his teeth, comb his hair, or perform other basic hygiene requirements, consider in-home services.
- Changes in Personality: Take note of any changes in your loved one’s personality. Social isolation, health issues, and similar problems may be the cause. A home care provider can help target and remedy these types of issues.
Special Needs In-Home Care Services
When you contact an in-home care agency for services, you can expect a personalized approach to your loved one’s special needs. To achieve a higher quality of life, home care providers aim to provide support with all activities of daily living (ADLs). From getting out of bed in the morning to putting on pajamas at night, each daily task is completed with the help of a professional caregiver. ADL services may include the following:
- Nutrition and Eating: Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for people with special needs. A home care provider can help in all aspects of nutrition, starting with grocery shopping. Once a variety of nutritious food is in the home, the aide can assist with cooking and other meal prep duties. The caregiver can also serve meals and help with after-meal cleanup.
- Hygiene and Bathing: Some individuals with special needs may need assistance with hygiene and bathing. A home care provider can help with skin care and oral care needs, as well as provide basic health care for people with certain types of wounds like bed sores. Help with bathing or showering helps maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
- Dressing and Grooming: Some individuals with special needs may have mobility or balance issues which can make getting dressed a challenge. A home care provider can help pick out outfits and perform the acts of dressing and undressing. Caregivers can also attend to a person’s grooming needs.
- Toileting and Continence: Depending on the individual’s unique needs, caregivers can provide assistance with toileting and continence. This may include getting the person to and from the bathroom, changing diapers, or emptying catheter drainage bags.
- Mobility and Transportation: Having the ability to get around is important. A home care provider can help ensure that your loved one gets the exercise he needs to maintain good health. Aides can also provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, therapy, and other important destinations.
Contact an In-Home Care Agency
Making the decision to contact an in-home care agency for a loved one with special needs is not always easy. However, these services can be invaluable for families who may need assistance caring for a loved one with unique health care needs. For more information about special needs in-home care or to schedule a consultation for a loved one who may require these unique services, contact an in-home care agency today.
