In-home elder care evolves with time, need

Submitted by Senior Home Companions

Elder care is an industry that has been around for decades, but that doesn’t mean that it has remained stagnant. The ways of caring for older adults have changed over the years, with trends coming and going in an effort to offer the best care possible to this population.

Locally-owned and operated Senior Home Companions follows the latest trends in elder care so clients and their families receive the most exceptional and personalized care we can offer. Here are a few of the current trends in Hamilton County elder care:

Hiring surge

With around 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, Forbes research trends show that a large number of the 67 million people in the U.S. over 60 will require elder care. Furthermore, in the next two decades, “another 65 million more Americans will turn 65 while experts predict the number of seniors who need long-term care will increase to 15 million by 2050.”

As the need for more caregivers increases, Senior Home Companions is actively hiring for positions in Hamilton County and the greater Indianapolis area. Our stringent hiring process means that only the best applicants become caregivers, and our top-quality employee support keeps our retention rate at 90 percent, one of the highest in our industry (industry average is closer to 65 percent). To be competitive in this market, wages start at $16 per hour.

Preference for in-home care

Among this growing number of older adults in need of care, trends show that the majority prefer in-home care over an assisted living or nursing facility. According to an AARP study, 76 percent of Americans over 50 wish to remain in their current residence, but the majority are unsure if it will actually happen. An established in-home care company with a good reputation and solid references can make those wishes a reality.

For more than 25 years, Senior Home Companions’ non-medical elder care allows older adults to live active and engaged lives at home. With services ranging from a few hours a week to 24/7 care, our caregivers help clients remain independent wherever they wish to age in place. In-home services include household upkeep, personal care and grooming, driving to appointments and errands, and much more.

Increasing technology

Unsurprisingly, another major trend in elder care is the increase in technology. Our caregivers work hard to stay up on the latest apps and technology improvements to keep clients and families in the know. We can help clients use smartphones and tablets to stay in touch with long-distance family members, and we can also assist with telemedicine appointments. Smart home technology and medical alert systems are another way to keep homes more convenient and safer for seniors living alone, and our caregivers would be happy to help implement these systems with your aging loved one.

Improving Indianapolis memory care

When it comes to caring for clients with dementia or Alzheimer’s, Senior Home Companions is on the cutting edge of memory care trends with our Story Cottage residences in Indianapolis and Carmel. These locations offer first-of-its-kind memory care in state-of-the-art, private residences with the lowest patient-to-caregiver ratio in the city (one-to-four). Families have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are offered a personalized daily curriculum alongside peers and a nurturing staff of caregivers provided exclusively by Senior Home Companions.

If you have interest in becoming a caregiving companion or would like to set up a complimentary consultation for yourself or a loved one, contact our offices by calling (317) 251-0441 or email shc@shcindiana.com.