When you’ve reached a point where your parents need your care, it can be overwhelming to even consider. Unfortunately, it happens all too often and people try to do their best, but they find themselves inundated with too many tasks, a cantankerous parent, or just more care requirements than they can provide on their own.
This is when most people will decide that it’s time to make a choice. That choice will usually be between hiring someone to help your parent around the house or sending them to an elder living community where they can get around-the-clock support and care. Of course, there are a lot of instances where the latter is unnecessary and home care could do a lot more than people realize.
Pros
There are certainly many advantages and benefits to be had when choosing home care services. For starters, your loved one gets to stay in their home for longer, and they get to feel more independent without being completely on their own. Home care services also give people the chance to get a little bit of help as they need it. You’re not locked into a certain hour structure or schedule—you get to decide when the home care assistant comes and how long they stay.
It’s a comfort thing, honestly, for most of our older family members. Who wouldn’t want to be at home for as long as possible? And, if people are happier with their care, they will be less likely to fall victim to the depression and hopelessness that many older adults experience when they realize they can no longer do things on their own. Plus, it gives the entire family peace of mind in knowing that their parent or loved one isn’t alone, and they don’t have to be the ones to constantly be there.
It’s not that you don’t want to be there—of course you do. It’s just that you’ve got a life, probably a family and a job, and you need to focus your attention there. Having home care drop in for the assist occasionally can lighten your load.
Cons
Home care that isn’t medical in nature may not be covered by some insurance plans or programs. Conversely, it might be partially covered, but not entirely. Therefore, the cost is usually a factor that keeps some people from choosing this route. Home care isn’t (and doesn’t have to be) expensive, and it actually will usually be cheaper than assisted living or full-time inpatient care. Also, if you are a MEDICAID recipient, you may be qualified for non-medical home care services for FREE!. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
When you choose home care, there’s also the risk that you’ll choose a provider or assistant that isn’t as reputable as you thought. Of course, if you take the time to do your homework and find reputable, professional home care services, that won’t be an issue.
Ultimately, if your loved one just needs a little extra help here and there, home care could be the perfect solution for their happiness and their need for assistance.
