24-Hour Home Care: A Step towards Caring For Elderly Parents

As a result of the baby boom generation coming into their retirement years, the need for home care assistance is increasing dramatically.  The Senior Home Care industry is growing rapidly.  Instead of moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes for care, more and more senior citizens are finding that there is a better alternative: to age in the comfort of their own homes.

Many seniors are realizing that In Home Care is a more cost-effective solution.  What’s more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, home health care is the preferred choice for family members and patients.

The Need for Home Care

There comes the point in life when seniors may no longer be able to look after themselves without assistance.  Whether that care is temporary (as in post-surgery) or on a longer term basis, help can be provided to the degree to which it is necessary in each  unique situation.  Services which may include meals, bathing and other everyday tasks can be performed for the client without them ever having to leave their homes and only when they need it.  For many seniors, this is a much less expensive option than the other alternatives.

24-Hour Home Care: For Seniors and Families

We all want the best for ourselves and our loved ones, especially in the golden years.  In home care may seem an attractive option, but there are many questions that should be of concern to family members and seniors:

  • How do I talk to my parents about the need for assistance?
  • What does in home care include precisely?
  • What are the things to look for to make the caregiver comfortable?
  • What is the way to make sure that the loved ones maintain dignity?
  • How to know if the caregiver is the best fit for loved ones?

Being armed with the right information is the way to reduce the uncertainty related to in home care.  Here are some additional ways to help you prepare and adjust to home care services:

The Caregiver is Prepared to Assist

Understand that the caregiver is there for assistance as it is needed. It will give you a sense of relief to know what the home care provider will or will not do to help you or your loved one.  From medication reminders, food preparation, and housekeeping, home care providers can be helpful with almost everything.

If you are looking into the possibility of aging in place with home care assistance because you want the best quality of care for yourself or your loved ones, having the aid of a caregiver helps limit the possibility of loneliness, wandering, or medication neglect.

Understand the Natural Fears and Trepidations Concerning Home Care

Many times, seniors are a little skeptical about home care.  It is essential to explore and express those feelings.  Not only will everyone feel better airing their opinions, listening to needs and fears will help everyone to be better able to find a caregiver that is right for them.

Find the Right Person for You or Your Loved Ones’ Needs

Sharing a living space has always been a challenge for many people.  In addition, it is imperative to hire a home health care worker with a relevant qualification from the medical perspective.  Just as importantly,  the person’s personality needs to mesh with the client. Since it can be an intimidating task to find the best person for the job, many people rely on a home care agency to select just the right person to provide care.  That is usually determined during the initial assessment by an RN who takes the time to get to know the senior and listen to their wants and desires regarding care and privacy.

Home Care is a Great Fit For Many Seniors

When asked, most seniors would prefer to remain in their homes rather than go to an assisted living facility or nursing home.  Depending on the needs of the client, in home care is often the most cost effective and beneficial solution.  To determine whether home care is right for you or your loved ones, schedule an initial assessment with a quality provider.  Find out the details about care and costs and whether it is indeed possible for you to age comfortably and securely in place.