If you’re looking for in-home care for disabled adults, you know how difficult it can be to find the right professionals to provide compassionate, skilled care for your loved one. People with disabilities may need extra assistance, but their desire to maintain independence and/or familiar comforts is as strong as ever.
Getting help with cooking, shopping, and cleaning may be all that’s needed for some disabled adults to remain independent, while others might also need in-home medical care. Whatever the case, rest assured there are people and resources you can rely on to fill this crucial gap.
How to Get In-Home Care for Disabled Adults
Understanding what in-home care services are available will help you make the best decision:
- Call your state disabilities resource office.
- Contact your Medicare caseworker.
- Work with a professional agency that provides licensed, experienced care providers.
- Hire a private care provider.
Depending on the person’s needs and budget, you might consider asking about volunteer care programs at your church or local relatives. However, caring for a disabled person at home requires a unique set of skills that unpaid volunteers may not have. Hiring an in-home health care provider or companion caregiver may be the best option.
If you’re uncertain about the extent of care needed, consider a home care assessment from the team at Advanced Nursing + Home Support. A professional assessment will help you better understand exactly which services will keep your loved one safe and happy at home.
What Does a Companion Caregiver Do?
A companion caregiver offers non-medical care, typically to seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from a major surgery. The goal of companion care is to provide socialization, emotional support, and help with what is referred to as “activities of daily living.” Those activities include tasks such as:
- Transportation to social activities and appointments.
- Preparing meals.
- Light housekeeping.
- Washing and folding laundry.
- Running errands.
- Grocery shopping.
- Communicating with other care-team members and family.
Some companion care providers also assist with personal care, such as grooming, bathing, eating, and toileting. Before hiring in-home care, make sure you fully understand which types of services you are contracting and paying for.
In the discussion of “what does a companion caregiver do,” the value of general companionship cannot be overlooked. Adults with disabilities can sometimes have difficulty getting out of the home and often spend too much time alone, which can affect both mental and physical health.
How Much Does Companion Care Cost?
As with home health care, prices vary widely by state. Expect to pay around $20 per hour in the Maryland, D.C. area. Remember, only a qualified medical professional can provide in-home health care. When you work with Advanced Nursing, you’re paying for top-tier, award-winning services.
Benefits of In-Home Care for Disabled Adults
Managing household tasks becomes more difficult as we age, and it may be an even bigger challenge for those already managing a disability. Having the help of friends or family members may seem ideal, and it is wonderful when possible. However, not every disabled adult has an ample amount of family who live close and/or have the time to provide all of the care that is needed. Depending on their needs, caring for a disabled person at home can be a full-time job.
In addition to providing company, some of the other benefits of in-home care include:
- A safe environment for independent living.
- Improved diet.
- More physical and social activity.
- Stress relief for their caregiver(s).
- Improved communication between healthcare providers and loved ones.
- Reliable transportation to medical appointments.
In-home care not only improves the life of the person receiving care but can also improve the lives of family members and friends. Knowing that your loved one is properly cared for and safe while still maintaining the independence they desire is priceless.
Advanced Nursing + Home Support is Here to Help
If you live in the Maryland and D.C. are and need help caring for a disabled person at home, don’t stress — our compassionate team members are here to support you. Contact Advanced Nursing + Home Support online or by phone at 240-624-7834 for more information about our services.
