There are many things to consider when deciding if senior home care services (aka in-home care) are a good fit for your aging loved one. First and foremost you need to consider if it’s safe for him or her to remain in his or her home, taking into consideration both the mental and physical health of your parent and the location and condition of the home itself -- in the short term and the long term.
What Are Senior Home Care Services?
Senior home care services cover a wide range of services from light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation and home maintenance to having a home health aid, usually a licensed nurse, visit a few hours a day or week, or live on the premises, to provide more hands on medical care. There are also adult day care centers, which are a community-center type of service that offer some personal care, medication management and limited social activities that mom and dad can visit on a daily basis.
Will Home Care Satisfy Social Aspects of Living?
It’s also important to consider the social aspects of living at home such as the home’s proximity to retail shops, entertainment and food. If the home is isolated or far from close relatives and friends, your loved one may end up feeling depressed, lonely and even bored. Plus, it can be unsafe to be far from medical services.
Additionally, you will need to continually assess the situation at home to determine if/when your parents’ health or cognitive abilities decline and more in-home services are needed.
The Cost of Home Care
And last, but definitely not least, you need to consider the costs of hiring the different services you may need as well as the cost of making any necessary modifications to the house. In many cases, the combined in-home services exceed the cost of assisted living.
When Assisted Living Is a Better Option
Assisted living refers to a care community for seniors who need help with some daily living tasks but don't need round-the-clock assistance. Assisted living communities basically offer all the services that you may need to provide to keep your loved on at home, plus many social activities, in a safe and secure living environment.
Need help figuring out if home care services are a good fit for your family, and within your budget? Contact us today.
