Three Benefits of Having In Home Care for a Parent with Alzheimer’s
Finding the best in home care services for a sick or elderly loved one is a tremendous responsibility and it is something most people do not take lightly at all. There are many things to consider and keep in mind such as at home nursing care cost, what medical and social services are provided, how often someone will be on call, and what additional services and care options are available.
If you are thinking about getting at home services for independent living assistance for a loved one, you need to start by looking up local care centers and talking to someone about their services. Getting quality at your home services depends largely on where you are, who you are working with, and what their range of accommodations normally entails.
While you are talking to them about their services you can also ask about the average cost of elderly care per month and what additional services you can request for your loved one. It is not easy to make choices on behalf of a loved one who cannot care for themselves as they normally would. But finding a good in home care provider can be a great way to make the process easier for everyone involved.
When caring for a parent who has Alzheimer’s, many people might wonder what their options are. Some might be convinced that keeping their parents at home is not only what they would want, but is also better for their families. Many people, if given the option, would rather pass away in their own home. However only about 1 in every four individuals end up doing so. It can be for this wish, or other reasons, that someone would prefer having home care for their parents. Here are three benefits of doing so.
A Private Caregiver Can Help Patients Cope with Daily Life
Everyday choices might become difficult, confusing, or even frightening for patients with Alzheimer’s. For example, the task of getting dressed might prove to be too much for them. They may find so many different choices in clothing scary and be unable to perform even a task as simple as that. With in home care, a professional can come in, help them assess options, and simplify things. This could mean only taking out one or two choices for pants and a top. This helps those who need Alzheimer’s care feel more confident and less combative. Caregivers can also do the same with food, by serving one item at a time. This could be as simple as offering the patient salad first, and then giving them their meat or entree. By feeling less pressured, this will help the patient adjust to life.
Having a Caregiver Inside the Home is a Popular Choice for Those Needing in Home Care
The AARP conducted a survey that found for the population who was age 65 or older, 90% of those individuals would like to remain in their homes. Even for those that are at the very end of their life, the desire to stay at home, which is safe and familiar, is great. Almost 60% of hospice patients were having hospice care inside the home, as opposed to being in a facility full time. Having home health care can make things easier for the adult children caring for their parents. More likely than not, the adult children still must work, and might have other obligations to attend to, such as housework, schooling, or professional activities, as well as that of their own children. Having home care can provide a seasoned professional to watch over the patient while other family members are working, or off attending to other important business. The benefit in this is that the adult children do not feel guilty in going about their daily life, and the parents are still getting the proper assistance they require.
Home Care Services Are Considerably Cheaper Than Using a Nursing Home
Nursing homes might be popular when it comes to thinking of where to place a parent needing constant care. However, it has been shown that they are not a cheap option. The cost of care every year for private and semi-private rooms within a nursing home are about $85,000 and $75,000, respectively. This is compared with private home health care, which comes in under $40,000 per year. Given the fact that it is not only cheaper, but allows patients to keep up with having the same lifestyle they are used to, it is obvious that home care is more beneficial for both parties.
Adult children who are looking for assistance in taking care of their parents would do well to consider the many benefits of home care. Having local in-home care allows patients to remain in a place that feels safe, while under the guidance and help of a professional who knows how to handle Alzheimer’s care. It is also a preferred choice for many individuals, before they are even affected by the disease. Finally, receiving quality care at home is a far less costly option than trying to get into a nursing home. Care within the patient’s home allows the same or even greater level of assistance they would get in a nursing home, without the high cost.Considering this option greatly benefits all of those involved, when it comes to taking care of an aging parent.
