In this day and age, the elderly population is aging differently from 50 years ago because people live longer. For example, in 1960, the average life expectancy in Canada was 71 years, but in 2022 that number has grown to 82 years of age. In fact, recent data released by Statistics Canada found that people 85 years of age and older are the fastest-growing age group. Moreover, that figure was up by 12 percent since the 2016 census, more than double the Canadian average.
This makes the importance of home-based care substantial, providing more ways than ever to allow people to age in their familiar environment. Certified caregivers and registered nurses from reputable healthcare providers such as Pacific Coast Health Services play an integral part in overall health care plans and implementing such programs for elderly adults.
Independence
Most people enjoy having greater independence, and seniors are no different. A sense of autonomy can give a greater sense of well-being and increase overall morale when we are in the comfortable surroundings of our own home. From eating and sleeping to outings and personal care, it's all done on your terms and preferred schedule, not an institutional program.
Privacy
While care facilities can offer some privacy, they cannot compete with home healthcare. Home care provides privacy at the level you want and when you want it.
Pets
Moving from home to a care facility can be stressful enough without having to leave your pets behind. Studies have demonstrated that the bond between seniors and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include: decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneliness and increased opportunities for socialization.
Comfort
Who doesn't enjoy being at home? Being in familiar places like our home is more comfortable for everyone, not just seniors. Surrounded by friends, family and our pets, while sleeping in your own bed, bathing in your own bathroom, and the countless other comforts of home are not duplicated in a care facility. In addition, care in place has proven to be an effective emotional healer and can assist in maintaining a longer, happier and healthier life.
Support
A certified caregiver can support older adults with many of life's challenges. From daily household chores & running errands to personal hygiene support and chronic disease management, a caregiver is there to support you where and when you need it.
Involvement with treatment
Family members and the patient can be more intimately involved with the patient's treatment at home. From medication management & hygiene to companionship & day to day life, family and/or friends can play an active role in your care management.
Access
In 2020 due to COVID 19 visiting, access to our parents and grandparents in care facilities was either altered or halted. These precautions were set in place for the safety of all residents. Unfortunately, that does little to comfort to seniors who have experienced loneliness due to the inability to have family members visit. Care in place allows seniors to have access to friends and family based on the terms determined by the decision-makers who are connected to the client. Because those decisions are made in-house, there is an increased opportunity to protect elderly adults from exposure to outbreaks in care facilities.
To book your free in-home healthcare assessment with no obligation
Call (250) 389-0202 or Email tjohnson@pchservices.ca.
Pacific Coast Health Services provides home healthcare for seniors throughout the Greater Victoria area and Nanaimo, BC. From respite care & 24-hour care to dementia care & advanced foot care, our care line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 days a year.