Introduction
The aging of the population is a global phenomenon, and will continue to be so for at least the next two decades. In Canada, the proportion of people aged 65 or older has increased from 8% in 1961 to 17% in 2001 (Statistics Canada). The number of Canadians over age 80 will increase by almost 50% between 2000 and 2020. This demographic shift will have significant implications for health care policy, especially as it relates to home-based services for seniors.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest among health professionals and policymakers in developing community-based alternatives to institutional long-term care. Community-based alternatives are seen as providing better quality of life, improving access to services, and reducing costs. However, they also present challenges such as ensuring that these alternatives meet the needs of all seniors, including those who require more intensive levels of service.nfl jersey sales sex toys adam and eve nike air max 90 womens nike air max cb 94 release dates 2023 wigs sale men adidas ultra boost wig store adidas yeezy 500 nike air max cb 94 release dates 2023 adidas online shop kansas city chiefs super bowl wins nfl dallas cowboys custom football jerseys cheap jordan nfl chicago bears
Background
In Canada, the majority of elderly persons live independently in their own homes. They receive most of their medical treatment and other services in their homes, although some may need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc. These persons are referred to as “homebound” because they cannot leave their homes without help. Some of them are able to perform ADLs themselves but require supervision. Others require constant assistance with ADLs and/or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS), which include tasks such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication management, etc. Persons requiring this level of support are often called “homebound.”
There are three main types of home care: personal care, homemaking, and nursing. Personal care includes services provided by nurses, aides, and others who provide direct physical care to clients. Homemaking refers to services related to housekeeping, meal preparation, and general household maintenance. Nursing involves services provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse’s aids.
Home Care Services
1. Personal Care Services
Personal care services can take many forms, depending on the client’s needs. It might involve helping the person bathe, dress, eat, use the toilet, get out of bed, walk around the room, etc., or it might involve assisting with basic mobility, such as moving furniture, opening doors, getting into and out of chairs, etc.
2. Homemaking Services
Homemaking services include house cleaning, meal preparation, transportation, errands, light gardening, lawn mowing, etc. Nurses typically do not provide homemaking services; however, they may assist with certain aspects of homemaking if requested.
3. Nursing Services
Nursing services are usually provided by registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, or nurse’s aides. Registered nurses are qualified to practice medicine and administer medications. Certified nursing assistants are trained to carry out specific nursing procedures under the direction of a registered nurse. Nurse’s aides are trained to assist with routine nursing duties and provide support to patients during meals, while bathing, and when performing self-care activities. Aides are generally less skilled than registered nurses, and may only be employed in hospitals or institutions where they are supervised by registered nurses.
4. Other Home Health Care Services
Other home health care services include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, social work, psychology, dietetics, respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, podiatry, pharmacy, and chiropractic services.
5. Specialized Home Health Care Services
Specialized home health care services include wound care, palliative care, respite care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care. Wound care is used to treat wounds caused by cuts, burns, ulcers, infections, and skin disorders. Palliative care is used for symptom control, especially pain relief, at the end of life. Respite care provides temporary relief from the stress associated with caring for someone else.
How Much Does Home Care Cost?
The cost of home care varies widely across Canada, depending on location, type of service required, and whether the client lives alone or shares his or her residence with family members. The average annual cost per hour of home care ranges between $12 and $20. However, costs can vary greatly based on factors including the number of hours needed each week, the complexity of the care required, the availability of resources, and the skill levels of staff involved.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Community and Social Services administers two programs that subsidize the cost of home care. The Government Supports Program covers up to 50% of the cost of home care services for eligible seniors. The Restricted Income Supplement program pays 75% of the cost of care for eligible clients who have an income below a specified limit.
What Are My Options for Home Care?
1. Family Members
Family members can provide assistance with daily living tasks, such as shopping, cooking, preparing medication, dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting. They can also provide emotional support and companionship.
2. Professional Providers
Professional providers can help with more complex tasks, such as managing medications, providing physical therapy, administering injections, and giving injections. They can also perform specialized medical treatments, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiation.
3. Nonprofessional Providers
Nonprofessional providers can provide personal care, such as help with eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. They can also provide companionship, take messages, prepare food, clean the house, and do laundry.
4. In-home Support Workers
An in-home support worker can provide general household maintenance, such as cleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and light housework. She or he can also provide companionship and emotional support.
5. Personal Assistants
A personal assistant can provide general household maintenance and companionship. He or she can also assist with basic tasks, such as assisting with mobility, using the telephone, taking messages, and doing laundry.
6. Automated Home Care Systems
An automated home care system can monitor the condition of your loved one’s health and well-being 24/7. It will alert you if there are any changes in vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, weight, temperature, and activity level. You can adjust settings to suit your needs.
7. Telehealth
Telehealth allows you to connect with a professional caregiver through video chat, phone calls, or text messaging. This option may be available to you if you live outside of the city where your provider is located.
Conclusion
There are many different options for home care. Your choice depends on what kind of care you need, how much time you have to devote to it, and your budget. If you need someone to help you with daily activities, consider hiring a nonprofessional caregiver. If you need more intensive care, contact a professional caregiver. If you don’t have anyone to look after you, consider hiring a professional caregiver or enlisting the help of friends or relatives.