With age, certain health issues are inevitable. Seniors often seek companionship and need someone who can take care of their basic needs, without leaving the comfort of their homes. It is more about having independence, but with support that’s essential for better quality of life. Before you look for Valley Forge home care service, here are some things to consider.

  1. Requirements. Seniors may or may not need medical care, so that’s a critical aspect to decide first. For instance, if someone just has age-related slowness, they don’t need a nurse all the time, but a home health aide, who can help with chores and help them manage their schedules better. 
  2. Talk to the person first. Seniors have the right to decide, if they are in sound mental health, if and what kind of home care service they want. For someone with dementia or physical disabilities, additional support and care may be desirable. If your older parents can take that decision, it is wise to honor their wishes. 
  3. Costs. What is the cost of using home care services? This may seem like an uncomfortable question, but must be answered. In some cases, patients may qualify for a waiver, while others may have long-term care insurance. If you are going to pay out of pocket, economics must be discussed.  
  4. Scope of services. The scope of home care services may vary. For instance, a nurse may be needed for a senior who cannot do anything without help. However, for daily help and support, like administering medications and serving meals, a few hours of care is enough. Before approaching any service in Pennsylvania, make sure that you are aware of your requirements. 
  5. Finding a reliable home care service. Thanks to google, finding a list of agencies in your city doesn’t have to be hard, but how do you choose one? Ideally, reputation and reviews are two things to consider. Check if the agency has its protocols for hiring home care aides and nurses, and whether they have additional training programs. 

Hiring a home care aide for an older family member may seem like a tough decision, but is necessary. Don’t shy away from asking questions when you talk to these services and agencies. A good home care service knows what it takes to customize their services for patients and seniors in need, and their aides and caregivers will ensure that clients have the maximum support as possible.