The Senior Bridge Program Can Make Staying At Home Possible For Aging Adults

By Maria Kelly


One of the best things senior citizens can do for their loved ones is to express their last of life wishes and instructions before something happens that makes it difficult for them to communicate in a reliable way. Most older people, who have lived in one place for a number of years, wish to remain there as long as possible. Not all individuals are able to do this for a variety of reasons. For those who have the means, a senior bridge program can help give their loved peace of mind.

Some older individuals only need occasional help with housecleaning and yard maintenance. They may still be able to do everything else for themselves including driving to appointments, grocery shopping, cooking, and personal hygiene. Most of these people have a support network of friends and neighbors who look out for each other. Families often hire workers without specialized skills to help their loved ones with these tasks.

As people lose mobility, it may get harder to leave their homes. They might go for days without seeing or talking to another individual. Most of these seniors appreciate the services of a companion who comes to check up on them and sit and talk. These companions can also assist with grocery shopping, check to make sure the senior is taking all medications and has not run out of prescriptions. They can drive him or her to doctor's appointments and serve as dinner partners and sounding boards.

Other older adults need help managing their affairs and the details of their everyday lives. There are individuals relatives can hire to assist the senior with monthly bill payments, handle correspondence, coordinate with doctor's offices and keep up with Social Security, Medicare, and insurance paperwork. Since they are in almost daily contact with the older individual, these professionals are in a good position to give relatives accurate and reasonable updates and assessments regarding the loved one's current physical and mental state.

Seniors with physical disabilities or dementia may have to have someone with them at all times. Live-in caregivers are trained to give medications, assist with personal hygiene and routine therapy exercises. They may also have to cook, clean, and become a companion for the elderly patient.

There are private nurses who will come into your loved one's home when he or she needs skilled care. These professionals can administer injections, change bandaging, manage tube feedings, and adjust oxygen, ventilators, and tracheostomy tubes. Seniors with diabetes often have special requirements that they are not able to accomplish on their own.

It is a good idea to work with an agency that has the flexibility to increase the level of care necessary to keep loved ones comfortable and safe in their environment. It is difficult for many older individuals to have frequently changing caregivers and schedules.

Seniors who live at home are usually healthier and happier. If it is financially feasible, this should be the first choice of the loved ones in charge of their care.




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