It is estimated that in the US alone over 60 million people require professional care within the age gap of 60 to 75 years old. And it is suspected the numbers will rise as time passes. With more and more people being in a constant rush, taking care of our elderly should be left to caregivers, trained to suit their needs. If you are considering in-home care, here are some things you should be aware of.
They need attention
We often refer to life as a cycle, and it is true. Life, in its ambiguous way, repeats itself, and we end up in the same condition we were born in, in need of care and attention. If you have an elderly person in the house, be aware of their need for human interaction and communication. With us constantly being in a hurry and rush, it might be wise to consider home care. Professionals are trained to provide comfort, communication, and responsible behavior to your loved ones. Therefore, you’ll know they are in the right hands, not missing human companionship.
The costs and services
In-home care consists of many different services. For example, if you go for the full package, it can go up to 6000 US dollars, which means medical care, transportation fees, professional help, and housing costs. Nevertheless, it depends on what you go for. In certain cases, when the elderly person is disabled or has serious health issues, the overall cost rises as the care becomes more demanding. Professional caregivers offer services such as making meals, monitoring their health conditions, helping them take a bath, or simply shopping for groceries or clothes. If you are considering this type of service, on this URL you can find out more about all the expenses and aids provided by professionals. The thing is, most people sacrifice a lot of time and working hours, reducing their overall pay and income while trying to provide help to their parents or grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other loved ones so the cost of paying someone is equal to the money you lose trying to provide help yourself. Caregivers are there to provide mental, emotional, and physical help most of the time. Especially with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is much safer having someone around at all times.
Why is In-Home better
Nursing homes often resemble hospitals and have a grim aura. Nursing homes are often affiliated with the final resting place, and staying there drastically affects the confidence and mental health of the elderly. In-home care on the other hand creates a feeling of closeness, familiarity, and comfort as the elderly just keep on living in the same house with the professional assistance of caregivers. The only possible downside is adjustments and modifications which have to be made if the person has special needs due to disability or chronic illness. Homes are not the safest place yet with a bit of customization, they can be.
Furthermore, nursing homes have a whole staff meaning more care is provided in nursing homes, yet the level of intimacy and comfort drastically differs as the person is just another name on the chart. Also, most caregivers in nursing homes cannot give much of their time to the person, as they have others to look after. With in-home care, it is completely different as the caregiver is hired specifically to look after the person.
If still in doubt, the costs are similar so money should not be a deciding factor. The real question is, is the elderly person seriously disabled or in need of constant medical care, in that case, a nursing home might be a better option. On the other hand, if the person does not suffer serious illnesses or disabilities and needs basic care such as taking a bath, shopping, paying the bills, or going from room to room, in-home care is a far better choice.
Make an interview
Here is something you should know: if you have decided your elderly loved one would be better off at home in the hands of a professional rather than a nursing home, make an interview with potential candidates.
During an interview, you’ll get the chance to meet the person, as the face-to-face conversation will give you a bit of insight into the character and personality of the caregiver. Also, involve your loved one, after all, he/she will be the one spending the most time with that person.
Make rules, and set boundaries. For example, if one of the tasks is shopping for groceries, set a budget, also leave money for personal matters as well. Set the dates, make sure the caregiver is introduced well with the medical history of your loved one, general needs, and even mood swings and temper. If there were any accidents, make sure the caregiver is aware of them as such accidents might happen again. If everything looks fine, you’ve found yourself the right match.
Though it seems unusual for some, hiring professional help will drastically improve the quality of your and your loved ones’ life. Considering the lack of free time and availability, this way you’ll have a clean consciousness knowing someone is always at their side.