Need help with everyday tasks? Home care could be the solution

Not too long ago, there was an article written about how to plan for getting older. This probably seems like a silly thing to be thinking about. Everyone knows what to look at, 401(k), insurances and the like, right? But there is more — much more! I like to think about it as a best-kept secret: home care.

Home care is having an agency come to your home to assist with everyday tasks you may be having some trouble completing. These are things you do not typically think about until you start to have trouble with them. They may sneak up on you slowly or perhaps one day you can complete the task and the next you cannot. Things like getting the fresh clean linens onto the bed, bending down to get clothes into or out of the washer/dryer, putting your shoes on (your feet can be further away than you can imagine) or you can’t see to safely drive. These tasks, and many more, can be completed by a home care agency.

A typical agency will assist with running errands, light housework, laundry, meal preparation, grooming and hygiene assistance, shopping/groceries and providing companionship with could consist of mental stimulation exercises. These tasks can be completed anywhere you call home. It doesn’t matter where you live. It could be in your home, an apartment or in a community. These services are available to you. The idea of home care is to keep you as independent as possible, no matter where you are.

These tasks could also be more difficult when you are recovering from a change in life status. Perhaps you were in an accident, had surgery or suffered a health crisis. Oh, and by the way, it is not simply for people who are getting older. Anyone who is recovering from a major life change might be able to use this help.

Many people feel they have a great network of friends to rely on to help in situations like this. And you may be right, but do they want to help every day? Do you want to rely on the favors of friends for personal care? Every person is different in how they want to handle this.

Unfortunately, most people don’t know these services exist until they are in a situation where they need it desperately, or it is too late. These services can help ease stressful situations, thus making life more enjoyable. It can be a service that is available for only periods of time that it is needed. This flexibility is important when part of your recovery is taking on more everyday tasks.

When it comes to planning for the golden years, there are many best-kept secrets. You may want to investigate what other secrets you might be missing out on.