Although home is a simple, short word, it represents so much. Home means being surrounded by personal belongings, enduring memories, and familiar routines. During the aging process, many people find themselves faced with the difficult decision of whether to age in-place at home or move to a group care setting. Adam and Ashley Worthen, owners of Home Instead, are dedicated to helping seniors navigate that process.
Home Instead provides non-medical services and utilizes one-on-one care to ensure that individuals get the help and care they need while allowing them to stay in their home as long as possible. Each situation is unique and clients choose the best care plan to fit their needs, whether that is one hour a day or twenty-four hour care. “We offer assistance with daily living activities,” says Adam. “That can be anything from light housekeeping, meal prep, medication reminders, companionship services, and incontinence care to assistance with bathing, showering, and transfers. We offer respite care to provide relief for caregiving relatives as well as dementia and Alzheimer's care.”
Taking the first step to begin in-home care can be a tough decision, but having all the information makes the transition easier. “The aging process can be very difficult to navigate because no one really teaches us what to expect or do. So when we first start talking with a senior, they can be a little bit apprehensive towards care because they feel like they're losing their independence,” explains Adam. “It's actually quite the opposite because if they have someone to help them, that assistance allows them to remain independent in their home.”
Proactively arranging for in-home care can also help prevent crisis situations such as medical emergencies. Early signs of forgetfulness and struggling to complete daily tasks when it comes to self-care can be an indication that it may be time to consider caregiving services. Having a caregiver present to assist with stability, medication reminders, and physical activities like meal prep can help prevent falls and accidents.
For others, simply having a companion to run errands with is encouraging and fends off feelings of isolation that often accompany aging. “We have a sweet client who was lonely and struggled with leaving her house alone after her husband passed away,” shares Ashley. “When I mentioned the idea of someone going with her into town, her eyes just lit up.”
Having in-home care also brings peace of mind to concerned family members. “A lot of adult children do not live in the same state as their parents. They don't necessarily want their parents to move out of their home because they know that's not what their parents want, but they can't physically be there themselves,” shares Ashley. “There is peace of mind in knowing that someone else is able to help care for them if you can’t be there. Having a caregiver also means that family can visit and enjoy their time together without having to worry about day-to-day tasks.”
To help ensure clients and their families feel safe and comfortable about who they are welcoming into their home, Home Instead conducts extensive background checks and interviews as well as providing comprehensive training for caregivers. For more information and connect with Home Instead to explore care options, call 817-377-0992 or visit www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/tx/fort-worth/451.