Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia can affect t more than the lungs. During and following an illness, older adults may experience fatigue, weakness, and changes in their ability to complete everyday activities. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) identifies personal care as an important component of home-based support for older adults who need assistance with daily living.
Personal care services focus on everyday activities, also known as activities of daily living. These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the bathroom, eating, and moving from one position to another. For an older adult recovering from an illness, these routine activities may temporarily require additional assistance because of changes in strength, energy, or mobility.
Supporting Daily Activities
Home-based care may be provided on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on an individual’s circumstances. Personal care can be provided by family members, friends, or trained professional caregivers. The type and amount of assistance can vary as a person’s needs change.
During recovery, assistance with daily routines can also provide continuity in the home environment. A personal care aide may assist with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light household tasks, and mobility-related activities that are part of everyday life. These services are distinct from skilled medical services such as nursing care, wound care, medication administration, or physical therapy.
Supporting Families and Caregivers
Personal care services can also supplement assistance provided by family members. Caregiving responsibilities are often shared among family members, friends, and professional caregivers. Respite services can provide temporary support when a regular caregiver is unavailable or needs time away from caregiving responsibilities.
A Role in Recovery at Home
Recovery from an illness can involve changes in a person’s daily routine and level of independence. Current information from the NIA recognizes home-based personal care as one of several services that can support older adults living at home while their needs change. The combination of personal care, companionship, household assistance, and other appropriate services can be part of a broader network of support during periods of illness and recovery.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging. Services for Older Adults Living at Home.
National Institute on Aging. Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home.
National Institute on Aging. What Is Long-Term Care?
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