According to a recent AARP survey, a majority (77%) of Americans aged 50-and-over want to continue aging in place for as long as possible – even if it means modifying their existing homes. Unfortunately, due to the aging process itself, most seniors will eventually need at least some assistance to remain in their residence. Not having loved ones available to provide the care that’s needed can make staying at home much more challenging. If you currently find yourself in this situation another option at your disposal is professional home care.
The Goal of Senior Home Care
When you’re a senior, home care includes any in-home professional support services. These are services that allow you to live safely, comfortably, and independently in your own residence. In-home care might also benefit someone younger with chronic health issues, special needs or a disability, or an individual of any age who’s recovering from a medical setback.
Home care can oftentimes be a difference-maker when it comes to your quality of life. It can be used to improve a senior’s safety, security and independence, help manage an ongoing medical condition, or even prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Home care services can also aid in recovery from an injury or illness – allowing you as a recipient to remain in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of your own home.
Types of Home Care Services
An elderly individual might hire an in-home “personal assistant” to help them with activities of daily living (ADLs) like:
- Bathing, grooming, toileting, and dressing
- Light housework
- Medication reminders and refill assistance
- Grocery shopping, meals, and feeding
- Paying bills and managing finances
- Companionship
- Transportation
Depending on the level of care that’s needed, in addition to aides, home care services are also provided by nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Is Home Care Right for Me?
If you’re like most people you want to stay at home for as long as possible. However, you also need to take a step back, look at the big picture, and then decide if remaining in your home is the right decision. After considering all your options, here’s how to decide if home care is right for you:
Support network
Many older adults rely on family members or friends to provide them with some of the care they need. However, that may not be possible in your situation. Do your loved ones live close by? Are they involved in your life? Can they provide the level of support that’s needed when your personal assistant isn’t there?
Medical conditions
If you have a chronic medical condition that’s expected to get worse, you’ll need to think about potential mobility and safety issues moving forward. Can you afford the necessary modifications to your home that will accommodate those needs?
Finances
Write down a budget with anticipated expenses so that you can weigh the pros and cons of your caregiving options. For example, the cost of an assisted living facility can be as high as $7,000 per month- which means home care may be a less expensive alternative. Keep in mind that Medicare does not provide coverage for home care, but Medicaid might if you meet certain state eligibility requirements.
Location and accessibility
Is your home in an area that requires a lot of driving just to reach stores and doctors’ offices? If you can no longer drive, are there safe and reliable public transit options available? Even though a home care agency can provide transportation, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth the time, expense, and effort.
Home maintenance
Maintaining your home can be costly, especially if you have to hire someone to do it. Can you afford the ongoing maintenance? If you have a chronic medical condition that will eventually limit your mobility, can you afford to modify your home so that it’s safe and navigable?
When Staying at Home is Your Priority
Wanting to stay in the comfort of your own home for as long as possible makes perfect sense. When you need some assistance, call us! While serving as an extended family in your home, our highly trained and carefully screened professionals can deliver reliable services including personal care, light housekeeping, companionship, meals, transportation, and even medication reminders.
Our agency’s goal is to maintain your quality of life so you can continue aging comfortably and safely in place right where you want to be. To learn more about our affordable home care options now, or to schedule a FREE in-home assessment within our service area today, please visit us online!