Why do the Elderly Need Home Nursing?

With advancing age individuals may suffer from multiple medical disorders that might need a wide variety of medication for treating their conditions. Some elderly patients self prescribe over the counter medicines and might use herbal remedies for their complaints. This may often lead to drug interactions causing adverse reactions. The aged might suffer from the regular immobility problems, instability, incontinence and impaired intellect. With failing eyesight they are more prone to falling and stumbling over unseen objects. Poor vision often leads to the aged person being unable to follow prescriptions or medication instructions. When they lose their hearing they are unable to carry on conversations over the phone and feel more and more isolated by their inability to interact with others. Older people living alone might have to face all sorts of abuse. As they lose control of their faculties they might be subject to financial abuse and manipulation. An elderly person living alone is a concern for their relatives and children. Most senior citizens prefer to live in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes for as long as they can. The ability to live alone gives them the sense of independence and dignity that an assisted care facility, nursing home or hospice might not provide.

Hospital care is often not suitable for an ailing relative convalescing after an illness, injury or operation. The older patient is more susceptible to the hazards of hospitalization (infection and mortality) than a younger patient. Convalescing with home nursing might be a safe efficacious alternative to remaining at hospital.  Trained home nursing staff may take care of most of your elderly relative’s needs whatever they may be. If the patient only requires care during convalescence most agencies will devise a short term plan for home care until the patient is fit to resume his or her earlier normal life. In cases where the patient is in need of more long term care, the extent of duties performed will depend on the requirements of the aged client. For low dependency needs, all the care giver might be required to do is do the housework, cooking, errands, shopping, driving and other tasks. When selecting an agency make sure they are reliable and the staff they employ are subject to proper training and rigorous CRB checks. The family member should actively participate in the selection of the caregiver. Building a rapport and understanding with the caregiver is essential for a successful experience in home nursing. Bath residents can engage the services of motivated and trained staff from the agencies in the area.