2020 brought with it many changes, especially as to the way we view professional home care services for aging loved ones. Prior to this historic year, professional caregiving was always important to enabling older adults to choose to age in their home as long as they desired. Now as we enter 2021, there is an even higher value on the services provided by a professional home care agency, namely because of the need to limit exposure to other individuals as we navigate the continued challenges of COVID-19. Take a look at the specific reasons why the value of professional home care services has increased in 2021.
Aging in the Comfort of Home
Professional caregivers have always provided individuals with the benefit of being able to age comfortably and safely in their homes. Now more than ever, this is a benefit because retirement communities and nursing homes have been hit hard by COVID-19, with new infections still coming daily. Living in a facility where they are many elderly residents, and where staff makes visits in multiple rooms or homes per day may increase the chance of infection. And for individuals who value the ability to remain in their home, professional caregivers allow them to do so while still safely assisting them in their day-to-day tasks.
Fewer People Entering Your Living Space
With a professional caregiver, it is likely just one person entering your home as needed. And whenever possible, it is the same person. Not only does this build familiarity and strengthen relationships between the client and caregiver, but it also limits the exposure of COVID-19, compared to multiple or different individuals entering the home on a regular basis.
Caregivers See Fewer Clients in a Day
At Ella Home Care, we take pride in creating stability for both our clients and our caregivers, and most often this takes the form of set schedules and routines. We like to match our caregivers with clients and keep them visiting the client on a regular basis – as opposed to a rotating assortment of caregivers. We also pride ourselves on creating a positive work environment where there is less turnover in caregivers than might be found elsewhere.
When It’s Not Safe for Family to be Caregivers
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has brought with it the hard reality that sometimes it may not be safe for family members to serve as caregivers for their aging loved ones. This could be because family members are unable to social distance due to family or career obligations. Or maybe their professional or personal life puts them in a high-exposure category. If this is the case, a professional caregiver can step in to provide exceptional care so that family members have peace of mind knowing their loved one is being kept safe and healthy.
How do you value professional home care services for you or a loved one? Join in the conversation by sharing a story of your own experience in the comments below.
