The elderly have certain needs. However, most of them would prefer receiving care and services without leaving their homes. Many dread spending time in a hospital or a facility. In some cases, home care services are all they need. This is a perfect setup for seniors since they can continue receiving care right in the comfort of their residences. 

However, there are different types of services for senior care. Since each eldelry has specific needs, they may require only certain types of home care services. To give you an idea, we have summed up some of the important types of senior care services in Pennsylvania.

Nursing care

Nursing care is needed when the elderly client is ill, has specific medical needs, or is under rehabilitation. With this type of senior care, a registered nurse will visit the client on a regular basis. After making assessments and discussing with the family and the elderly, the registered nurse together with a doctor  will come up with a nursing care plan. Nursing care may include giving medications, giving intravenous treatments, caring for wounds, and pain control. However, make sure that the nurse you choose has first-aid certification which should come in handy in case of falls and injuries.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy may also be included in home care services. Home care agencies have a team of physical therapists. This type of care benefits those who have weakened or impaired muscles. A physical therapist will help the client improve their mobility and regain their strength, as well as keep their physical problems from getting worse.

Occupational therapy

Many seniors have problems with performing and enjoying daily activities. With an occupational therapist around the house, the elderly can be further assisted with his or daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and performing household chores. Occupational therapy also benefits patients who are recovering from cancer.

Speech therapy

Certain conditions, like stroke, may affect a person’s speech. Seniors who have suffered from stroke may not be able to fluently talk like they used to. They have a hard time communicating, and this is where a speech therapist comes in. Speech therapy not only helps the client learn special communication and speech techniques, but also addresses their swallowing and eating problems.

Social work

Old age does not only affect the physical. Many seniors are going  through emotional and mental changes, particularly those with a traumatic past like war veterans. They may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders or depression. In such a case, you may need to consider getting a social worker. Social workers can provide emotional and social care to help seniors cope with their issues.

Home care health aids

If the elderly does not necessarily require a nurse, a home care health aid may suffice. Home care aids are trained and skilled at providing personal care to seniors. They help them with daily activities like walking, dressing, bathing, getting in and out of bed, or just simply keeping them company.

Attendant care

This is a type of senior care perfect for seniors who are fairly mobile and don’t have severe illness. When seniors don’t necessarily need help moving about and can generally do their daily tasks, they may simply need attendant care. This includes laundry, shopping, housekeeping, and meal preparation. 

On top of these, there are other types of senior care services that you may need to consider as well. These are pharmacy services, nutrition and diet help, transportation, respiratory therapy, and emergency alert services, among others. Before making a decision, fully assess the needs of the senior. Remember that each senior has different needs. Choose what’s best for them.