Aging brings many changes, and seniors will eventually need additional support to accommodate their needs. In-home care is an option that many many families elect in order to better care for their elderly loved ones. In-home care can help elders who are struggling to safely/independently complete “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs).
Successful completion of ADLs is necessary, in order to experience life more richly and safely. This type of care can allow for individuals to continue residing in the private residence or facility where they are most comfortable. In-home care can be provided in varying levels and can be taken advantage of before an individual requires/qualifies for nursing home level care.
Misconceptions About In-Home Care
There are some common misconceptions regarding in-home care that may end up preventing families from further investigating its value. However, families who more thoroughly understand in-home care will be able to make a well-informed decision regarding different care options for their senior loved one.
In-Home Care Is Too Costly. False.
One of the most popular misconceptions about in-home care is that it is just as costly as either an assisted-living facility or nursing home. This is entirely dependent on the situation, but in-home care provides more flexibility than the cost of a long-term care facility. With in-home care, an individual pays only for the time the services are actually needed—which may result in substantial cost savings.
My Loved One’s Needs Are Not Enough/Too Much to Qualify for In-Home Care. False.
With the exception of seniors who need 24/7 medical/nursing home support, there is usually an in-home care option that will adjust their needs perfectly. In-home care support can be designed to fit the schedule of caregivers and families, and the degree of the support provided can also vary. Every individual’s needs are different. Some seniors may only require minor assistance and supervision, while others may need assistance with the full-range of ADLs.
With the exception of seniors who need 24/7 medical or nursing support, there is usually an in-home care option that will adjust their needs perfectly. In-home care support can be designed to fit the schedule of caregivers and families, and the degree of the support provided can also vary.
In-Home Healthcare Is Dangerous. False!
There are actually a few different scenarios that fall under the umbrella of this concern. Virtually all licensed home health aides must go through a rigorous screening process which functions to sort out any potentially bad apples in the bunch. As the amount of screening depends on each service provider, be sure to ask what their hiring process is like—especially if it includes a criminal background check. Also, it is always a good idea ask about any training caregivers receive and if the one to come to the home has the proper certifications and qualifications.
Another popular misconception is that there is a higher risk of infection from germs brought in by a caregiver, as opposed to a hospital setting. Studies have actually shown that more than half of the infections that manifest in a controlled setting can be traced directly back to the hospital and staff itself. Caregivers understand the need for cleanliness, given they are working with elderly patients with potentially lower immunity—so disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning are given great attention for overarching health concerns.
Our Emphasis on Exceptional In-Home Care
Comfort Home Care prides itself on its attention to safety, and we have a blog entitled Home Safety For Seniors which helps to explain what measures should be taken to ensure the best home safety practices. Additionally, Comfort Home Care only retains professional caregivers who have passed our rigorous interviews, and pass our thorough screening process.
I Have No Say On Which Care Giver Visits. False.
In-home care clients can be mislead into thinking that the first assigned caregiver is the “only option”. In reality, some in-home care agencies understand that a lot of the benefits that derive from in-home care involves the therapeutic compatibility between the individual and the professional caregiver. If the first in-home care professional assigned does offer the ideal experience, primary caregivers can simply ask to have them replaced. In these situations, it is always best to highlight that the problem was not one of competency, but only personal incompatibility.
Is No One Is Available In the Middle of the Night. False!
Some elderly individuals may be able to perform Activities of Daily Living adequately enough on their own on a normal basis, but may have specific incidents that happen at odd hours. Although many families assume that in-home care support is only available during the standard work hours of 9-5, that is not the case Many in-home care agencies offer periodic visits, which can be tailored specifically to the mornings and evenings.
Contact Comfort Home Care for More Information Today!
If you or your loved one is contemplating the possibility of in-home care and are uncertain about any of these issues and other concerns or misconceptions—contact Comfort Home Care by calling or sending a message online today. We can provide you with useful and informative guides and would love to discuss any questions you might have. Additionally, we offer professional in-home care evaluations at your convenience.
