In-home care services are an affordable and viable solution for patients who need assistance at home. In-home care services are covered by a variety of insurance policies. Patients who are at risk of falls or suffer from a debilitating disease find in-home care a treatment plan to a healthier, more functional life.
Here are 10 conditions that can be treated with in-home care:
1. In-home care services can prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients
Alzheimer’s patients and patients suffering from other forms of Dementia seek physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and speech therapy to help slow down the progression of the disease. However, when the patient is at home (which is most of the day) their mind and mood can benefit tremendously by having in-home care services to engage with them, aid with personal care, and by performing light housekeeping.
The combination of physical therapy and speech therapy can target stages of Alzheimer’s to improve cognitive functioning, memory, communication, and swallowing. While in-home care services can preserve the benefits of treatment by helping patients engage in light exercises, such as brisk walks outside the home or swimming in a local pool, which has been proven to slow down the aging process and improve brain function.
2. In-home care services can keep stroke patients safe
Stroke is among the leading causes of death in America and commonly causes paralysis on one side of the brain, painful muscle spasms, and balance disorders. With in-home care services, patients who suffered a stroke or are at risk can better manage their symptoms and prevent falls if treatment is provided soon after their medical emergency.
A comprehensive rehabilitation program for stroke patients should also include occupational therapy to treat cognitive impairment, in addition to care management so patients can openly discuss their concerns with a clinical social worker.
3. Home care can improve memory in Parkinson’s disease patients
Parkinson’s Disease is a neuro-muscular disease that affects 60,000 new patients each year. Symptoms include tremors, speech impairments, memory loss, and loss of coordination. But each Parkinson’s patient will experience their own set of symptoms. Whether treatment includes psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or another form of treatment, the goal is to alleviate nerve pain, improve functionality and safety, and maintain activities of daily living.
In-home care services can help treat Parkinson’s disease patients in many ways. A caregiver has the ability to communicate with the patient and help them understand their feelings, which is similar to the duties of a therapist. An in-home caregiver is also who the patient relies on for walking around the home, commuting to therapy appointments, and preparing meals throughout the day.
Without home care, many of these tasks wouldn’t be performed with the same level of safety and attention, if at all.
4. Home health aides help vestibular disorder patients become more mobile
Categorized by dizziness, vertigo stemming from the inner ear, and other visual impairments, vestibular disorders make driving and doing routine tasks practically impossible. An in-home caregiver can drive patients to doctor’s appointments, check-in with family, and assist with anything the patient may need around the home – which ultimately, enables them to live a healthier, fuller life.
In addition to in-home care services, physical therapy will provide patients with specialized head movements and coordination exercises to alleviate symptoms in just a couple of sessions. Vestibular disorders are a challenge, but home care makes it easier to live with.
5. In-home care services can prevent falls in patients with spinal cord injuries, back pain, and Sciatica
Any back, nerve or spine injury is often times painful and detrimental to a person’s well being. Physical therapy is the most effective form of treatment and may include McKenzie-based therapy, manual therapy, spinal stabilization, core strengthening exercises, and others. However, a holistic approach to treatment includes fall prevention. Having an in-home caregiver can dramatically reduce a patient’s risk of falling, and thus, prevent further damage to the neck and spine.
Patients who experience back pain and sciatica are less anxious when they know an in-home caregiver will assist with laundry, preparing meals, and other daily chores that may irritate their symptoms. Home care, in combination with physical therapy, will improve a patient’s flexibility, range of motion and help restore the patient’s back to normal function.
6. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) can be closely monitored with in-home care services
Although rare, ALS is a fatal disease affecting the nervous system and muscles. As the disease progresses, patients will experience muscle cramps and weakness while performing everyday tasks. ALS patients often seek physical therapy to alleviate discomfort and slow down the progression of the disease. In-home care is also beneficial when the spouse or family of an ALS patient is limited to the amount of time they can spend with them.
ALS is a disease that requires patients to receive frequent attention and assistance to ensure they are safe. However, many working family members and parents are unable to care for their loved one for most hours of the day. In-home care is offered at all hours so patients don’t have to compromise their health.
7. An in-home caregiver can alleviate the family of Multiple Sclerosis patients
The loss of myelin, a material protecting nerves in the central nervous system, is what makes Multiple Sclerosis a debilitating disease. Young adults are primarily affected by MS, with many experiencing difficulties walking and performing other movements due to poor connections between nerve transmitters.
Just because a patient is diagnosed with MS does not mean their mobility should be limited. In-home care services can help an MS patient move throughout the home and travel to doctor’s appointments. While exercises conducted by a trained physical therapist, including aquatic therapy and yoga, can help alleviate the symptoms.
8. In-home care services provides safety to patients experiencing difficulty balancing and walking
A person’s mobility is a major contributor to their independence and well-being. Limited range of motion, limping, slow gate, and lack of coordination can place patients at a higher risk of falling. An in-home caregiver can prevent the risk of further injuries by aiding with bathing, collecting the mail, and other small but vital tasks that require balance.
Once a home care treatment plan is in place, patients experiencing difficulty walking and balancing should seek physical therapy. As muscles strengthen and balance improves, patients will regain their confidence in performing daily tasks, but will still have that support at home to provide the utmost level of care.
9. Arthritis patients prevent further injury with in-home care services
Arthritis is a condition affecting the cartilage of joints in the knees and hips and is typically a result of aging. Arthritis patients often feel painful inflammation in these vital areas, which hinders their ability to move freely. In-home care is a viable solution for Arthritis patients to avoid making their symptoms worse. An in-home caregiver can perform all of the patient’s daily activities while reducing the patient’s risk of falling.
While preventing the worsening of symptoms is important, Arthritis patients will need physical therapy in order to restore joint health. With treatment, patients can attain a natural pain-free range of motion, stronger areas around the joints, and improve their overall mobility.
10. Home health aides reduce loneliness in depressed patients
Depression and loneliness are common among older patients who are unable to leave home. The lack of human interaction often times worsens their medical condition and can accelerate cognitive decline. When a caregiver visits a depressed patient’s home, it can make a world of a difference. The companionship alone can boost the patient’s mood and motivate them to engage in their daily activities – which is a challenge for depressed patients.
Mental illness is best treated with the help of a clinical psychologist. While in-home care services can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety in depressed patients, a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist can help determine and treat the source of the patient’s depression.
In-home care services are available to patients diagnosed with these, as well as other, conditions throughout South Florida. Mind & Mobility Home Care & Therapy Centers provide both in-home and outpatient therapy in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and more!
Therapy services at Mind and Mobility include:
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- And more
If you or someone you know is in need of in-home care or therapy, call Mind & Mobility at 1 (800) 650 – 5289 or visit our contact page to schedule a free in-home consultation.