Understanding Homemaker & Home Services: What’s Included and How They Help

Does this sound familiar?

You have a senior loved one who wants to stay in their own home as they age. They are very capable of taking care of themselves for the most part. They can get up, get dressed, take care of their own hygiene, and eat all their meals – otherwise known as the Activities of Daily Living. So while they don’t necessarily need medical help or basic care, you would feel better if there was someone besides you to check in on them and help them around the house. But does that sort of care exist?

It does. The sort of care your loved one most likely needs is home maker services. 

What is Homemaker Services?

You have likely heard of personal care and home health care. Personal care focuses on those Activities of Daily Living mentioned above – getting out of bed, getting dressed, taking care of hygiene, remembering to take medication, eating meals, and moving safely around the home. Home health care includes those things and adds on any medical needs like wound care after a surgery, physical therapy, injections and monitoring vital signs.

You may have also heard of companion care, in which someone visits your loved one for companionship. They may chat, play cards or board games, or do a puzzle together. But what if your loved one needs something in between? That is where home making services come into play. 

Homemakers services help your loved one with general household assistance. This can involve a wide variety of tasks:

• Light cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, wiping down counter tops and bathrooms, washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean, and washing, sorting and folding laundry, making the bed, watering plants.
• Errands: Shopping at grocery store and pharmacy, dropping off books at the library, etc.
• Meals: Meal planning and preparation, cooking.
• Emotional support: general companionship and conversation, participating in hobbies together, doing puzzles, playing cards or board games. 
• Rides: Rides to doctor’s appointments and other events.
• Pet care (sometimes included): feeding pets, letting the dog out or taking them for a walk.

Of course, safety is also a priority, so while a homemaker is not there to “supervise” your loved one, they can keep an eye on them to help prevent falls and other potential accidents or issues. 

Homemaker care can’t provide any “hands on” support or medical care. But they can offer peace of mind, and they can get to know your loved one so if more assistance appears necessary, they will be one of the first to notice. 

Homemaker care is typically not covered by insurance, but it is also generally on the less expensive end of in-home care. It is also not usually 24-hour care, and is only needed a few hours per day or week, which can help keep costs low.

We want our loved ones to be safe and happy in their own homes for as long as possible – without becoming an overworked, burnt-out caregiver ourselves. Homemaker care is an excellent option for assistance that won’t make your loved one feel like someone needs to take care of them while giving you the peace of mind you need for your own wellbeing.

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.