In-home care could be the safest option for your loved one

In-home care is vastly different from other types of senior care. Here’s a quick comparison guide.

 

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It’s nothing we like to think about, but there may be a time when an elderly loved one is no longer able to take care of themselves. When that day comes, you’ll be faced with a number of options to ensure your loved one receives the care and attention they deserve.

 

Choosing the right type of senior care can be challenging. While you want what’s best for your loved one, you must also consider the impact that your decision will make on their livelihood and physical well-being.

 

Types of Senior Care Services

 

Ideally, you will explore your options for senior care services before you need to make a final decision on how to help your loved one. This not only gives you more time to consider your options but may also prevent you from rushing your decision and potentially choosing an option that isn’t the right fit for your situation.

 

Let’s compare some of your options:

 

Home Health Care

 

Also referred to as home health, home care services allow your loved one to remain in their own home. Home health is often used for specific periods of time, such as after a surgical procedure. These services are provided by skilled medical professionals and may require a doctor’s order to be covered by insurance.

 

One of this option’s biggest advantages is that it provides more privacy than other alternatives. Home health care can also provide much-needed respite for family members who may be tasked with handling doctor’s appointments, errands, and other duties.

 

Home Care Agency/Private Duty Care

 

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With in-home care or private duty care, the caregiver assists with daily living activities and dementia/Alzheimer’s care,  including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and overnight supervision.

 

Like home health services, private duty care can help your loved one remain in the privacy and comfort of their own home. Private duty is usually not covered by Medicare, but it may be covered by long-term care insurance. You can hire caregivers through an agency like Tailored Home Care that will assume the liability for your loved one.

 

Nursing Home

 

Seniors who can no longer take care of themselves may need to enter a nursing home, which is staffed by medical professionals to provide round-the-clock care and supervision to its residents.

 

While nursing homes may provide a safe environment, they also remove any hint of independence and leave your loved one’s care completely in the hands of the facility. As a result, your loved one may feel “old” or even harbor resentment over being removed from their home.

 

If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, the transition can be long and shaky. They’ll find themselves in a new environment and may have trouble adjusting or feeling at home.

 

Nursing homes can also be expensive, and insurance may or may not cover all costs.

 

Assisted Living

 

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Assisted living facilities are often confused with nursing homes, but residents in an assisted living facility still retain much of their independence (though the environment isn’t as private as their own home).

 

Nurses and other staff members are on-hand to provide assistance with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Rooms are equipped with emergency call systems in the event of a fall or other issue, which can give you and your loved one peace of mind.

 

What Makes In-Home Care a Better Option for the Elderly?

 

Studies show that 87% of older adults wish to remain in their homes as they age, and having an in-home health aide can help to support your loved one’s preferences. If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, using an in-home caregiver should be given careful consideration because it can be less disruptive than removing them from their familiar environment.

 

In-home care is often considered a safer option because patients receive one-on-one care and attention, with personalized services tailored to their needs. At Tailored Home Care, we can provide overnight supervision, daytime care, and assist with all aspects of daily living, including light housework, cooking, medication reminders, self-care like washing or dressing, and even running errands.

 

Many patients build relationships with their caregivers and consider them as part of the family. They can also remain as independent as possible and only rely on their in-home health aide when they need assistance.

 

Our caregivers at Tailored Home Care go a step further than other agencies by organizing social outings, participating in community activities, and even helping them connect with family members via Skype or social media. We also provide specialized services for our clients with memory issues or limited mobility, such as mind engaging activities, managing behaviors, incontinence care, and assistance with mobility. Our caregivers are trained on a case by case basis to work with your loved one’s unique needs and provide them with a high level of care, according to their individualized care plan.

 

In addition, in-home care can be less expensive than care outside the home. The general rule is that if your loved one needs fewer than 40 hours of care per week, then in-home care is more affordable than a nursing home. However, choosing care for your loved one shouldn’t be based solely on economics. Other factors to consider are the type and frequency of assistance they need, their health, and your loved one’s preferences. If you are wondering how much home care would cost for your loved one, check out our simple in-home care cost calculator; https://tailoredhomecareinc.com/home-care-cost-calculator/.

 

How a Home Health Aide Can Change a Senior’s Life for the Better

 

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The personalized relationship with a home health aide can make a significant impact on your loved one’s daily life. Being in the caring profession, caregivers become attached to their clients and care just as much about your loved one’s well-being as you do. They not only perform basic tasks but also provide companionship and interaction that can help your loved one feel safer,  less lonely, and more engaged.

 

At Tailored Home Care, we hand select each of our caregivers and invest in their training to provide the highest level of care to our families. Our goal isn’t just to offer a necessary service, but also to make a difference in the lives of the seniors under our care and help improve their quality of life.

 

Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services.

 

Sources:

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/home-care-vs.-nursing-home-making-the-decision

https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/blog/2014/05/15/home-health-care-versus-nursing-home-care/

https://www.seniorliving.org/compare/nursing-home-vs-home-care/

https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/assisted-living-vs-nursing-homes

https://www.after55.com/blog/assisted-living-vs-nursing-homes/

https://www.aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/nursing-home-care-vs-assisted-living

https://www.ngcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/home-health-care-vs-private-duty-6-1.pdf

https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/home-care-vs-assisted-living

https://vnasocal.org/difference-home-health-private-duty-care/