Homebound Helpers – 4 Things to Remember When Considering In Home Care
- Written by News Feature Team
Nobody likes to be confronted with the fact that their parents are growing old and in need of more care. It is not just a difficult situation practically and financially, it is a major emotional challenge too. The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from and your family gets to be in charge every step of the way.
Often, when children get to this juncture, they instantly start to worry about care home costs and how their parents are going to react to the prospect of leaving. However, full time monitoring is not the only form of care and, moreover, it is not usually recommended if your parent still has a reasonable degree of mobility.
This guide to the undisputed value of in home care will explain how and why some older patients are better off staying put.
What Is ‘In Home’ Care?
Essentially, in home care is provided in the house of the patient. It may involve many of the same medical, social, and supportive services as a traditional care home, but they are based in an environment which is personal and familiar.
It must be noted that this is only a suitable option if your parent is able to spend time alone in a safe and constructive manner. If they can no longer climb stairs or bathe themselves, for example, in home care may not be able to fulfil all of their needs.
What Are the Benefits?
Well, the biggest benefit is that your parent gets to stay in their own home. This can be a point of contention, because many people dread the move into an assisted care facility. Residential homes are superb environments, but the transition is understandably daunting.
In home care provides assistance with food shopping, getting dressed, cleaning the house, taking medications, staying active, arranging social engagements, and much more. Support assistants and nurses deal with everything from broken lightbulbs to healthy eating plans.
How Is This Support Provided?
All home care services are a little different, because they are tailored to fit the needs of the patient. So, some people will require regular visits throughout the day to ensure that they are happy and comfortable. Others only need a visit every other day or even once per week.
The frequency and purpose of home visits is something that you will have to discuss and decide upon with the provider. The best approach is to get your parent involved and ask them for their opinion on how much support they need.
How Do I Find a Good Provider?
The first thing that you should ask is if a provider is fully accredited and certified. This information is public, so it can be verified online or with state authorities. Talk candidly about the needs of your parent and encourage them to speak honestly if they are present.
The best way to determine if a care provider is a good fit is to make it clear what you want. Ask questions about the type of services offered and how they are accessed. Find out what kind of contact the nurses will keep with your parent and whether they will be assigned a single support assistant or several.
The Value of Personal, Private Care
The reality is that, for many, in home care is a precursor to full-time residential monitoring. However, it is hugely valuable, because it extends the amount of independence afforded to elderly people. We know that older citizens thrive when given the chance to remain in a familiar, personal environment among friends and family. This is why you should consider this kind of care if your parent keen to get a little extra help, without sacrificing their autonomy.
