Top 5 Benefits of Getting Home Care Services From An Agency

As our loved ones mature in age, they will eventually require different levels of care and supervision. In most cases, they would need assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs). Other times, our loved ones fall ill or begin to live with progressive and life-changing conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To help our loved ones with their ever-evolving needs, most of us are faced with the decision of either caring for them ourselves or seeking the help of professionals to keep watch over our aging loved ones.

Professional care for older individuals isn’t restricted to nursing home care or rehabilitation care — another option that families with older individuals who need specialized assistance can explore is home care. Home care enables older individuals with chronic conditions to get sufficient levels of care and support right at home.

Home care is close to older individuals’ hearts. According to a research study conducted by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute, a whopping 90% of individuals aged 65 and older want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and 80% believe that their current home is where they will always reside.

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It is therefore imperative for family members to find home care services that will best suit their loved ones’ needs. Families have the option of hiring a home health aide directly or getting home care services from an agency.

If you’re thinking of getting home care services for your loved ones but are on the fence on whether to go for an agency for your loved one’s care or otherwise, here are five benefits of getting home care services from an agency:

1. Handles all employer obligations and are bonded and insured

Families who choose to directly hire caregivers instead of getting one through an agency will need to handle many responsibilities as employers, such as interviewing potential caregiver candidates, handling and tracking schedules, and ensuring that payroll is taken care of weekly. If a caregiver needs some time off, they will also be in charge of looking for a replacement caregiver. On top of all these, they’d also need to pay for the employee’s payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, and unemployment and liability insurances.

A home care agency takes care of all these responsibilities for their clients, which allows them to focus on making use of their time and resources better. “We also provide comprehensive support for our customers over the phone, via email, and in-person to address their concerns, questions, or requests,” shared Bryan Estranero, PSS Home Care’s Business Development Manager.

2. Gives focused, one-on-one care

There have been studies that suggest that older individuals who live in residential facilities are at risk for elder abuse and neglect. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 2 out of 3 nursing home and long-term care facility staff members reported that they have committed abuse toward older individuals in the past year.

With home care services, older individuals receive personalized, one-on-one care. This helps ensure that neglect and abuse of any kind are avoided. “Abuse and neglect come in different packages — physically, psychologically… and we make sure that our care team members understand that any form of abuse or neglect is not tolerated in our company. We are deeply committed to our culture of caring,” stated Luisa Remponi, PSS Home Care’s Director of Patient Services.

“More than just ensuring that our clients receive the assistance that they need when it comes to their ADLs or specialized assistance with the chronic conditions that they are living with, we make sure that their requests are met, they are listened to, and that they are comforted. We make sure that they are treated with the care and respect that they deserve,” shared Remponi.

Aside from these, because clients get one-on-one care, they also benefit from personalized service that prioritizes their food restrictions and preferences, their social and religious needs, and a structured daily regimen that best suits their schedules.

3. Supports safety while maintaining independence

A study finds that what older adults fear the most is loss of independence followed by moving out of home and into a nursing home. But in most cases, older adults wouldn’t need to leave the comfort and familiarity of their own homes to get even extensive levels of care that they may require.

“It’s important for us to provide comprehensive care to keep our clients safe and healthy while supporting the independence and privacy that they need to live comfortable and dignified lives at home. We carefully assess each of our clients’ needs and give recommendations on what activities they can do regularly that will keep them happy and healthy at home with the support and assistance of our home health aides,” expressed Remponi.

Aside from getting direct and regular supervision from medical professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapists, and nurse practitioners, home care employees also get continuous training to ensure that they are reminded of proper protocols to keep clients protected against illnesses and risks.

4. Provides options that best suits your loved one’s needs and budgets

Not everyone ages similarly or goes through the similar experience. At times, older individuals might only need minimal supervision for a few hours a day, while some might require 24/7 care. “We take the time to assess each client’s case, provide a care plan, and listen to what they want and need. Through the years, we’ve provided flexible options for our clients, which are of course, based on what they need and what they can sustain,” remarked Estranero.

5. Provides peace of mind

The best benefit of getting home care services from an agency is the peace of mind it provides the clients and their loved ones. For family members who are overloaded because of work, are caring from a distance, or are also caring for other family members, having skilled and caring professionals looking after their older loved ones daily can give them a sense of tranquility.

Trained and qualified home health aides provide medication reminders, prepare healthy meals, do household chores, run important errands, and provide companionship — all these work together to allow older individuals to live life as safely and as happily as possible.

“Through the years, we’ve been blessed to be of help to hundreds of older individuals and their families. Our hardworking and caring employees all understand how important it is to do our jobs as effectively and as wholeheartedly as we can, always. This doesn’t just set us apart in the field, but more importantly, it allows us to really be of service,” said Remponi.

Caring is our Culture

At PSS Home Care, we provide top-notch assistance to older adults, as well as people living with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments. Our home health aides help our clients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, among many others. They also prepare healthy meals and oversee the administration of prescribed medication. These and more are what make PSS Home Care’s brand of compassionate care exceptional.

For more information about our home care services, contact us at 718-752-9833. We’d be glad to discuss possible care options that best suit your loved ones’ needs today.