90% of older adults prefer to remain living in their home as they age. And even if they begin to need day-to-day assistance or ongoing health care, 82% would still like to receive this care at home.
Aging often comes with issues that are complex and the home care needs of seniors frequently evolve. Many times, home care agencies are unable to adapt to changing needs when they involve issues that require expert support. Alternatively, care provided by a single team of expert professionals is more effective in enabling seniors to stay in their homes because the team can see the big picture, manage all aspects of care, and advocate on behalf of the client.
Traci Dobronravova, Director of Seniors At Home, says, “It is common in aging to experience peaks and declines in health, mobility, or cognitive state.” Seniors At Home offers a broad range of senior care services fromhome care, to nursing, care management, dementia care, and palliative care. This seamless continuum of care for seniors takes the stress off of their families when it comes to finding and bringing in new levels of care.”
Thomas’ Story:
At age 80, Thomas was happily living on his own in his San Francisco apartment. Though his family members were on the East Coast, he had company in the form of close friends who lived nearby.
When Thomas began to struggle to keep up with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and errands, one of his friends called Seniors At Home to find out what help could be available for him.
Seniors At Home provided a caregiver for a few hours each week to help Thomas and he was matched with Care Manager, Gwen, who made sure that his home was safe for him to live in and that he had someone to call if he needed anything.
Months later, Gwen received a phone call from Thomas’ niece Rebecca. “Thomas has had a bad fall and is in the hospital,” Rebecca said. She had flown out from the East Coast to be with him temporarily, but he needed extensive care in order to recover.
Thomas was physically weak when he returned home from the hospital and his poor health had caused a decline in his cognitive status, making him very confused. Quickly, he had gone from needing minimal care to receiving 24 hour care. He also received palliative care to keep him comfortable and the Seniors At Home team consulted regularly with his niece Rebecca over the phone.
Additionally, Thomas enjoyed weekly visits with Carrie, a Seniors At Home palliative care volunteer who came over to keep him company, provide emotional support as he slowly regained his strength, and ensure that he was happy and as comfortable as he could be.
Over time, Thomas regained his cognitive abilities and as he became mentally clearer and physically stronger, his need for care reduced.
Traci says, “When our clients’ needs change, whether suddenly or over time, we know we can be there for them, and they know that people they trust can continue caring for them.”
Today, Thomas still receives some home care and is in contact with his Care Manager Gwen, who is on call in case his needs should change again. Carrie still visits once a week, and keeps an eye on him to make sure that he is receiving all the care and services that he needs.
Thomas knows that people he trusts are there to give him the right kind of care now and in the future.
With any questions related to aging or senior care, call us at 415-449-3777 or contact us online.
