As the population ages, more and more Americans are turning to home assisted living communities to ensure that they receive the care and support they need as they age. These communities offer a range of services, from basic assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and grooming to more specialized care for seniors with chronic conditions and other concerns. However, even with these services, gaps in care can still occur, leaving seniors without the support they need to thrive.
That’s where home care services come in. Contrary to popular belief, home care companies are not competitors to assisted living facilities (ALFs), but rather partners who can supplement their services to provide more comprehensive care for seniors. By working collaboratively, ALFs and home care companies can give more one-on-one attention to residents with more personalized support, without the need for additional licensing or staff.
Easier care handoff when appropriate for the client
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the ability to hand off care more easily when it’s appropriate for the client. When someone is not yet ready for an assisted living facility but needs care, in-home care can prolong the quality of life until the time comes to enroll in an ALF. When the home care agency is established with an ALF, the handoff to the original referrer is run more smoothly as the relationship is already established and communicated. This ensures that during the entire aging process, the client receives the best care at the right time.
Ability to supplement services
Partnering with a home care agency also allows ALFs to supplement their services and possibly at a lower cost to the client. While ALFs do provide basic services such as bathing and grooming, service gaps may remain. Working with home care agencies can assist seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia while they are on a waitlist for an apartment at a facility. Caregivers can also provide help to clients who wander and show progressing decline in cognitive abilities, ensuring that loved ones can remain independent longer and for prospective residents and families to maintain peace of mind.
Personalized care home assisted living residents
Another benefit of partnering with home care companies is the ability to provide more personalized care to residents. Home care providers can work with ALFs to develop personalized care plans that address each resident’s unique needs and preferences, such as meal preparation or transportation to appointments. This personalized care can help residents feel more comfortable and secure in their environment, which can improve their overall quality of life.
Overall, the partnership between home care agencies and assisted living facilities is an important one that can provide many benefits to seniors and their families. By working together, these two types of care providers can offer more comprehensive and personalized care to seniors, ensuring that they have the support they need to live happy and fulfilling lives as they age. So if you or a loved one are considering home assisted living, be sure to look for a community that partners with a reputable home care agency to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Sources:
What Assisted Living Providers Want From Home Care Partnerships
Assisted Living Statistics – A Deeper Dive into the Demographics
