When Does At-Home Care Make Sense?

As people age, they often need more assistance, day in and day out. At the same time, many seniors prefer to lead an independent life and may want to remain in their homes as long as possible. Fortunately, with in-home care, it’s possible to provide elderly individuals with the hands-on assistance they need,  while also ensuring their independence.

If you are not sure if in-home care is right for your loved ones  and your family, there are many options to consider—including providing the assistance yourself. You could also talk with a parent or loved one about moving into a retirement community or nursing home. The ultimate, best choice often depends on your capacities as a caregiver, and also on the individual senior’s daily requirements.

When Considering In-Home Care, Pay Attention To These Factors

Many elderly individuals who want to lead an independent life may lack the capacity to do so. Cooking, cleaning, remembering to take medications, and daily tasks can sometimes cause headaches for healthy adults in their prime years, but for certain senior citizens, such chores can become overwhelmingly difficult.

An at-home aide can help make life easier by providing seniors regular assistance with chores and responsibilities—including cooking and cleaning. While these aides do not provide healthcare, they can offer regular, routine reminders for patients to take their medications, and ensure compliance. If a medical event should occur, a home aide can quickly contact emergency services. Beyond that, many seniors need company and friendship, which an in-home aide can happily provide.

Home aides also know to keep an eye out for potential problems. A beautiful rug may tie the living room together, but it could also be a treacherous tripping hazard. Aides can work with families to enhance overall wellness.

Many folks try to care for their loved ones themselves, however, caring for an elderly person is often a full-time job. If a senior citizen simply needs help with a few things, say cooking, you may be able to handle this on your own. Nevertheless, working-age adults are generally quite busy, and may find it difficult to provide even rudimentary care.

Some families choose to hire an in-home aide for a few days a week while handling the remaining days themselves. Similarly, a mobile senior who can still cook and clean may simply want an aide so they could take a break now and then.

Ultimately, at-home care is a great option for seniors who need a helping hand. Even if your family has the capacity to provide hands-on assistance, it could strain relationships and you might end up pulling back on other important responsibilities, like your career and your children.

What About In-Home Medical Care?

One might also consider more intensive at-home medical treatment, such as hiring a nurse to provide medical care at home. Nurse practitioners are licensed to provide medical treatment.

An in-home medical practitioner, however, is almost always more expensive than a general aide. Hiring an in-home nurse may even be more costly than moving a senior into a nursing home. Still, if your family can afford the costs, an in-home medical practitioner can improve health outcomes while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

Deciding on in-home care is a big choice and will have a major impact on your loved one’s quality of life. It’s smart to talk with professionals and discuss the specifics of your family’s needs. At StarPoint Home Care, we are experts in understanding our clients’ specific needs and matching them up with caregivers that ensure seniors continue to live a happy, independent life. Give us a call today at 513-766-3339 or visit us online to learn more about how we can help.