Emerging Trends that are Shaping Home Health Care

As more baby boomers turn 65, the demand for elderly care continues to rise. The average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78 years.

Actually, in the next two decades, 10,000 Americans will turn 65 every year, according to statistics.

The increase in the number of senior citizens is not the only challenge. We are at a time when there are growing concerns over economic stability, healthcare costs, and employee retention. These factors are changing the nature of the in-home care service. As a result, more people are demanding better nursing interventions, client outcomes, and affordable health for seniors.

This article looks at some of these emerging trends and how they will change elderly care in the future.

Higher Demand for Specialized Care

In the past, the role of a caregiver was mainly housekeeping, assistance with transportation, and watching over the elderly. For that reason, providing care for seniors has always been seen as a low skilled job requiring little specialization.

But that has been changing with the increase in demand for home-based healthcare. 85% of senior citizens in the U.S. have multiple chronic conditions. For 24 hour in-home care to work, there is a need for specialized programs that can improve their health outcomes.

Some of the conditions that require specialized care include:

 

  • Heart Conditions.
  • Dementia.
  • Arthritis.

The challenge for Phoenix home care providers is to ensure patients with these conditions get therapy and palliative care. Palliative care refers to a healthcare approach that focuses on thorough assessment and early intervention of chronic diseases. The goal of the approach is to work towards improving the overall quality of life for the patient.

Additionally, evidence also suggests that social engagement, along with physical and mental activity, can improve the overall well being of seniors. As a result, elderly care providers have been focusing more on holistic care for the well being of the mind, body, and spirit. In-home caregivers today have to receive training to meet these new demands.

Highly Trained In-Home Caregivers

Because of the demand for specialized services, round-the-clock home care providers are also facing challenges in recruitment and staffing. The turnover rate for the industry is approximately 40% to 67%. With the population of baby boomers who need elderly care rising, the staffing challenges could become more serious in the future.

Another challenge is that there have been growing calls to increase the pay for low skilled labor. Home care providers must have better terms to prevent their employees from being swayed by other opportunities elsewhere. It is a significant challenge for many providers, given that it is happening at a time when specialized tasks require skilled workers. Not only do the working terms improve retention, but they can also have a positive impact on the reputation of the company.

Data and Technology

Data and technology will continue playing a significant role in improving healthcare. The role of technological innovation is becoming even more critical as providers seek to demonstrate the successful outcomes of their programs.

As competition between providers continues to increase, data is going to be useful in measuring performance. Companies providing elderly care can use it to boost their credibility. Clients are using it to make informed choices in elderly care services.

Tele-Health

Even though telemedicine is a form of care that is still in its infancy, there is evidence that it can be beneficial for home health care. A professionally trained caregiver may take the place of a physician to coordinate care remotely. The model can reduce the cost of treatment for the patient due to better clinical workflows and patient engagement. Telemedicine makes it is possible to improve compliance, enhance data collection, and improve the overall quality of care.

Bottom-Line

There are many changes that we can expect in the in-home care industry in the next few years. Increasing demand has brought new challenges that providers must address if clients are to continue relying on their service. However, these changes have prompted new developments that are bound to improve the quality of elderly care for the better in the next decade. For caregivers, contact Alarys Home Care today.

Types of Senior Sleep Problems and Causes of Insomnia

Are you or your senior loved one experiencing sleep disturbances or a lack of sleep? If so, you may be wondering what is causing this bout with insomnia and if there is a way to address it. Here, we provide a few common concerns that may lead to less sleep for seniors – and ways that Phoenix home care services can help you with them!

Sleep Disturbance Caused by Health Concerns

Many health problems that are encountered by seniors can cause problems sleeping. Whether it’s because of pain that cannot easily be managed or an inability to relax, there are many reasons why common senior health concerns may prevent a restful night’s sleep.

Talk to your health care team about adding a sleep aid to your routine if your health problems are causing issues with sleep. You may find that an all-natural supplement or prescription medication is just what you need to finally get some rest.

Medication Side Effects

Most seniors take some kind of medication, even if it is simply to maintain healthy aging. These medications can cause side effects that may interfere with healthy, restorative sleep.

If you are experiencing sleep problems, talk to your health care provider about potential causes. It may be as simple as switching one or more of your medications to something better suited to your needs.

Lifestyle Issues – Including Stress or Anxiety

Aging can be stressful. This is especially true for seniors who are experiencing changes that they are not fully prepared for or who worry about what the future may hold for them or their families.

If you are having these kinds of concerns, talk to a mental health professional or a counselor about what may be causing them. It is common to need more help as you age; reaching out for it should be part of your self-care plan.

Independent Sleep Disorders

Some sleep-related conditions are not caused by any other issues. In these cases, your doctor may need to perform tests to determine how to treat your concerns. Be sure to be forthcoming with any information that may help address your issues.

How Home Care Services Can Help

While working with a senior care provider can’t always provide relief from sleep disturbance, it can address many of the root causes. Providing relief from daily stress and making everyday life easier for seniors can make sleep much easier to come by – and much deeper and more restful. Whether you need help keeping up with your health or lessening the stress in your life, talk to the industry experts at Alarys Home Care Services. Our expert providers can meet your and your family’s needs and help you live a better life day and night – all from the comfort of your own home!

A Caregivers Role is Crucial for Protecting Seniors During Climate Change

Climate change is something that we routinely see discussed in today’s media coverage and during political debates. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, there is no denying – our planet’s climate is changing. With that change will come shifts in the way we live our lives, especially groups who are already sensitive to changes in the weather.

Here, we’ll give you a glimpse of how the senior caregiver will play into the protection of seniors and their comfortable way of life in a world whose climate is quickly changing:

The Impact of Climate Change on Seniors

Climate change is bringing very real problems to many areas of the world. Whether it’s an entire continent on fire or rains and ice storms burying other areas for months at a time, it is important to understand the increased risks that seniors face during all of this.

Those who are experiencing chronic health conditions – common among senior populations – can encounter much greater impact from major environmental stress. Many of those who die as a result of extreme weather are either elderly, infirm, or both.

Common concerns of aging, such as muscle and bone weakness, lack of energy and more can also make inclement weather more dangerous for seniors. Falls, damage to skin from the sun or from the bitter cold, and more are faced by seniors around the world on an increasing basis. Being proactive in preparing for this severe weather is perhaps the only way that older populations can hope to enjoy their lives in spite of it.

How Home Care Providers Can Help

Home care providers are an important part of providing a high-quality life to seniors as our planet’s climate continues to change. There are numerous ways that these professionals can protect their clients, including:

  • Advising seniors on safe procedures during heat waves or cold spells that have killed thousands around the world in recent years.
  • Planning an appropriate response to natural disasters, storms, and other emergencies.
  • Taking preventative measures against increased allergens in the environment, including seeking medical treatment for allergy issues.
  • Counseling seniors on how to handle the emotional impact of the “doom and gloom” news coverage and take proactive steps to live better lives as the world’s climate changes.

For more information about how your Phoenix companion care provider can help your family live better in the present and future, contact the experts at Alarys Home Care. We have everything you and your family need to lead better lives during the climate crisis and beyond. Give us a call today to find out more!

The Best Things About Being a Caregiver

Providing care is a fulfilling career. Many find satisfaction and growth in being a caregiver. While it has its own ups and downs, like any other job, there are many ways that it impacts one’s life positively. If you are your loved one’s primary caregiver, then here are some of the best things you can look forward to.

A Sense of Accomplishment

Providing care to another person teaches you a lot about yourself. You find out how strong you can be, how flexible, resourceful, and determined. Discovering all that you are capable of builds your confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Rewarding Experience

It’s hard to imagine how rewarding it can be to care for a difficult parent. But providing care, especially when it’s not easy or convenient, makes all of your efforts rewarding. It may not seem like it at the moment, but when you look back at that time, on knowing you provided the care that a loved one needed, is rewarding.

Being There

A big part of providing care is being there. A lot of the sick or elderly are afraid to face illness and death alone. By being there, you ease some of the loneliness. You make them feel better.

Changes You Forever

Caring for a loved one changes your perspective of life and challenging circumstances. Situations you thought you’d never survive now look easy. Being a caregiver can help you take more risks with your relationships and life, knowing that everything is finite. There’s no better time than now to take a chance on going after what you want.

Makes a Difference

You’re not going to get an award or promotion. Some people don’t even get any sort of acknowledgment for all the work they do. Because taking care of a person is hard work and requires strong physical, mental, and emotional strength. You may not get an award, but caring for someone makes a difference in that person’s life. That counts.

How to Avoid Burnout

The nature of the work often means caregivers often forget about themselves in their efforts to provide assistance. Don’t let that happen to you. You’re a better caregiver if you’re rested and healthy. Hire an agency for home care assistance in Phoenix to get the rest you need. With the help of experienced professionals for home care assistance in Phoenix at Alarys Home Care, you can prevent burnout and continue to reap the benefits of being a caregiver.