The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainties, as we collectively face this dilemma that seems to have no end in sight. No one is safe from the disease, and with measures to hinder the spread, all our lives have been affected. To some of us who are fortunate enough to live in a pleasant home, working electricity and water, a pantry full of food, this quarantine is but a small feat. But what about those who are at high risk of the disease? Who are too old and frail to fend for themselves? Since the outbreak, the senior care franchise business has been busy. Particularly, the home care business. A company delivering home care and nursing services to seniors received a 40% increase in phone calls since the outbreak. Understandably, many are concerned about their elderly relatives during this tough period, with the old being one of the highest risk groups for complications due to COVID-19. Today, we will look at how the home care business has stepped up during this trying time, to continue providing top services and especially taking care of our elderly.
The importance of home care
Home care is a service that provides high-quality in-home caregivers such as nurses or support workers to anyone who requires special care. While home care offers services to patients of all ages, senior citizens are by far the most frequently seen demographic served by home care caregivers. The home care business has always had a slow start. But with the recent global pandemic, many organizations are struggling to keep up with the demand of existing clients while also responding to the new requests and clients. This demand has proved that the senior care franchise is an industry that is resilient to unstable financial climates and to an extent even flourishes in times of crisis.
Increased demand for home caregivers
The only way for us to tackle the disease is to stay at home! Because of this, the home care business has seen an increase in demand as families who do not live with their elderly are worried and anxious about their wellbeing. Many did not have the time to ensure that they were equipped with all the necessities to face this pandemic, and even more, are not able to go out and buy the necessary things themselves. This is where home care steps in.
Home care organizations help to ensure elderly patients are well taken care of, especially when their own family members are far away or not present. They handle tasks their patients would usually be unable to, like keeping the house clean and pantry stocked. In these times of social distancing, they also serve as an important human contact point for many of their patients. With family and friends often far away and unable to visit, loneliness can be one of the biggest challenges we all face during this crisis, especially the elderly members of our society who often do not have that many friends or family left in their lives.
Increased demand for home care nurses
Since the pandemic, many elderly patients who are waiting to be placed in long-term homes are sent back home to live with their family to ride out the pandemic. Because it has all happened so abruptly, families are not prepared with the resources to provide special care and many are simply overwhelmed by the prospect of caring for an elderly person, which in some cases is more work than you would probably imagine.
Therefore, home care is the best solution for keeping the elderly safe at home. It lifts some heavyweight off the family’s shoulder because, without proper home care, elderly patients with underlying health issues can experience complications of all sorts and may have to be hospitalized. And let’s face it, now is the worst time for anyone to be admitted to a hospital, especially people in high-risk groups. First of all, the risk of infection with COVID-19 is much, much higher in hospitals due to the high numbers of sick people being treated. Secondly, many hospitals are currently operating at full capacity and might not even be able to accept patients they do not deem a priority. As harsh as that sounds, such as the reality of this pandemic.
Due to this pandemic, home care businesses have stepped up to the plate, ensuring that elderly patients, and patients with chronic illnesses are cared for. Their professional knowledge and skill set give families the help they need when suddenly faced with having to care for one of their sick or elderly family members.
