When it comes to looking after our loving seniors who are sick or disabled the old norm was either to let them suffer in hospitals or to send them away to nursing homes. In-home care services started to gain popularity only in the last couple of years. Thanks to covid and the lack of available medical facilities in hospitals. Seniors usually need assistance with their daily activities, especially when they’re in ill health or are physically or mentally impaired. As their children tend to be busy in their professional life, admitting them to a long-term care facility used to be the common practice. But research indicates that in-home care services may be the better option. Here are some reasons why seniors should consider home healthcare services over other elderly care services.
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Are able to stay at home:
As mentioned above, research indicates that seniors that live in their homes experience a healthier and more active lifestyle. The freedom one has when staying at their own place provides comfort to the sick or the disabled elderly. Moreover, one tends to be happier and more relaxed when they are surrounded by their own family, especially if one is living with their grandchildren. The familiar surrounding also goes a long way in providing a calm environment for cognitively impaired seniors as newer places and people could cause them to become agitated or unsettled.
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Personalized care:
In-Home care services provide more personalized care for the elderly when compared to other senior care services. The amount and type of care needed could be customized according to the senior’s or their family’s preferences. The personal attention would help your senior to develop a genuine bond with the caregiver which is very helpful as it prevents loneliness.
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The Family could stay more involved:
It would be rather difficult for the family to meet their loved elderly when their nursing home is a bit far away. Home healthcare services allow the family to be with the senior during their last days. This could mean a better bond between the seniors and their families and could also prevent depression, anxiety, or similar mental distress for the elderly.
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It is more Affordable:
Home healthcare services are much cheaper when compared to other senior care services such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes. It has been reported that home healthcare services are on an average 30% cheaper than other senior care services. It is also more flexible as one can choose when they would need the services of a caregiver. This could cut costs down as most In-home senior care services charge by the hour. One may only need a carer to look after their senior when they are at work or maybe need assistance only on weekends. Home healthcare services are the best option in these kinds of circumstances as you could choose when you want to avail the services.
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Better mental Health:
It is undeniable that home is the best place to be when one is sick or has a disability. The comfort and independence of one’s own home can never be compared with that of another institution. This would also help the elderly to stay independent and free of stress or any other mental health issues for the longest period and would allow them to have the regular life they used to enjoy. This could seriously improve the elders’ quality of life.
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Safety:
In-home healthcare services the caregiver could keep an eye on the elderly for the entire day. This is particularly useful when the senior is at risk of falling or is suffering from any kind of cognitive impairment. The caregiver could also watch out for any changes in appetite or behavior thus providing overall better safety and precaution for the elderly. Such a level of oversight could prevent domestic accidents and other health complications which could have been fatal on the other hand.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to consider hiring in-home care for your senior. There are many trusted companies out there, but only you and your loved one can make the best decision when it comes to choosing a home caregiver. Think about the most important elements of care, the price, and what you want to get out of the experience, and you’ll be ready to look for a caregiver. Above all else, your senior deserves a life that they enjoy as much as possible – and in-home care could be an excellent choice for that goal.