Services for the Homebound
The homebound population of elderly citizens is constantly growing, with many factors contributing to this rise in numbers. Unfortunately, they are often unable to leave their homes for a variety of reasons, including socioeconomic issues, age-related mobility difficulties, and chronic illness. Consequently, seniors are at high risk of being socially isolated, suffering from mental health issues, or even experiencing symptoms that worsen faster due to lack of proper care and attention.
Numerous services have been created to meet the needs of the homebound population:
Transportation Services
When an elderly person starts to lose their eyesight, cognitive abilities, and reaction speed, it can be dangerous for them to drive. A lot of elderly people do not even realize how unsafe they make themselves by getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately, giving up the freedom to drive is extremely difficult for many people.
Fortunately, even in Curry County, there are transportation options available. Dial-a-Ride is an inexpensive option provided by Curry Public Transit that services Brookings and Gold Beach. For more info about Dial-A-Ride, visit their website at https://currypublictransit.org or call them at 541-412-8806.
Grocery Delivery Services
Transportation is a problem for the elderly, so grocery delivery will be a great help. Unfortunately in Curry County, there are no grocery stores with direct delivery options, but there are several online options that can help. You can either choose to have produce, meat, and other foods delivered in their "whole" state to be cooked at home, or you can instead opt for a meal delivery service which can be even easier for your elderly loved one.
Telemedicine
The telemedicine model for the elderly has been developed to tackle the ever-present issue that seniors have difficulty getting out of their homes for medical services. Fortunately, technology makes telemedicine fairly easy. Patients can be given tablets to use for video chats, and can even use blood pressure cuffs, heart monitors, and other medical devices that can wirelessly transmit data to their healthcare provider during the course of their visit.
Housekeeping
Family members are often the first to know that their elderly relatives need more care, but they may not have the time or the financial ability to provide it. This is where hiring a housekeeper to help with basic chores can be very helpful. You can be as selective as you need to when hiring someone to help. Perhaps you just need help with the laundry, or cleaning the kitchen after your loved one has cooked for themself, or cleaning the bathrooms. Maybe you need a combination of services. Home health aides are also helpful for helping with more personal caretaking tasks for your loved ones.
The Greatest Gift
Even with all the options available to help your elderly loved one deal with transportation and mobility issues, the most important thing that they need is you. It can be scary and sad for someone who is facing chronic illness and/or the end of life, and processing all of the associated fears and emotions can be especially difficult if they spend too much time alone.
You don't have to do anything special. Just showing up and letting them know you care is enough. If you want to do something extra nice, bring them food from their favorite restaurant, a gift from their favorite shop, or, better yet, take them on a drive so they can get out of the house for a while (assuming they are up to it, of course).
Our Volunteers Are Here To Help
We understand that sometimes your relative needs more help and attention than you alone can give them. That is why we have volunteers here at Coastal that are willing and able to visit our patients to keep them company, do light chores, read to them, and so much more. They are also happy to sit with your housebound loved one for an hour or two to give you a break to go out and go shopping, get your haircut, or take a relaxing stroll on the beach. They can even help with your pets via our Pet Peace of Mind program!
If you or your loved one need help from our volunteers, call our Volunteer Coordinator Toni at our office: 541-469-0405. All of our volunteers have undergone background checks and have been trained in HIPAA, caring for hospice patients, and more.
If you’d like to volunteer to help hospice patients, visit our Volunteers page to learn more. Together we can ensure the homebound elderly in our community receive the compassionate care, support, and resources necessary for maintaining independence while facing life's challenges gracefully and with grace.