Non-Medical Homecare Needs Grow as More Minnesotans Age

One in five Minnesotans today is age 55 and older, according to the Minnesota Board on Aging. And as they age, most Minnesotans will remain in their own homes. Nearly nine out of 10 older Minnesotans own their own residence and most have no plans to move. 

A need for help with daily tasks of living

As a result, fewer Minnesota seniors are getting the help they need with simple daily functioning. For example, in 1988, 84 percent of seniors needing help to prepare their meals reported that someone was available to help them; by 2001, that had dropped to just 67 percent, according to the Minnesota Board on Aging. Overall, from 1988 to 2001 there was a significant decrease in the number of seniors who reported that they had spouses, relatives, friends or neighbors to provide personal care or assistance.

Today, an ever-increasing senior population has fewer resources available to help them with the daily tasks of living. At the same time, older adults have longer life expectancies than ever before. Many of these seniors need assistance with things like grocery shopping, laundry, meal preparation and light housework. In addition, help with personal hygiene such as bathing, grooming and getting dressed is needed.

A need for independence

By remaining in their own homes, seniors can retain an important sense of independence. It is also psychologically beneficial for older adults to remain in familiar surroundings. While their well-meaning children may wish to put them in a retirement home, the fact is that forced relocation can cause some seniors to feel disoriented, depressed and confused.

In addition, there is a significant difference between a senior who simply needs help with personal care and one who requires medical assistance. A relatively healthy older adult who is placed in a facility with those who are far more infirm will feel out of place in such surroundings.

Remaining as independent as possible can boost a senior's overall sense of well-being. Staying in their own home is, in most cases, far more preferable (as well as less costly) than relocating to an assisted living facility. It gives them a sense of empowerment, and allows them to retain close friendships with neighbors.

Medical versus non-medical homecare

Until recently, however, few choices were available to seniors who wished to remain at home but did not require medical assistance. Medical homecare can be costly, since most professionals must be registered nurses or nurses' assistants. In addition, they may balk at performing light housekeeping tasks. Finally, they rarely have the opportunity to build long relationships with their clients. Often a different professional appears every week, which is disorienting to seniors and prevents establishing a bond with their caregiver.

Non-medical homecare, in contrast, is designed to help the older adult with the tasks of everyday living. Non-medical caregivers do not assist with medical procedures, and since they are not registered nurses or medical personnel, their hourly rate is not as high. They also offer the opportunity for steady companionship, as they are generally assigned to specific clients on a long-term basis, enabling a friendship to grow.

Non-medical caregivers can also form strong bonds with the senior's family. Indeed, in order to ensure a good match, it is key that the caregiver interviews with the family as well as the client.

These caregivers can help seniors maintain their independence by taking over the daily tasks that become increasingly difficult with age. They can take the client grocery shopping or to the bank, prepare meals, do light housekeeping and provide daily conversation and companionship. 

It is important to note that some non-medical homecare agencies offer companion care only, while others offer both companion and personal care. Not all non-medical homecare agencies are licensed to perform personal care, which includes personal hygiene assistance. If a senior requires such help, the family must hire a caregiver from an agency licensed for personal care services.

In the end, non-medical homecare is an option that allows the senior to remain in the home without feeling overwhelmed. The senior receives the assistance and companionship required, and the family enjoys peace of mind that a beloved parent, aunt or uncle is not struggling with the simple tasks of everyday living. It is a "win-win" situation for all.

This article was a paid editorial by Visiting Angels Senior Home Care, a licensed provider in Minnesota. For specific information, please call toll-free (888) 898-1500 to contact Your Twin Cities Metro Area Office.