Adjusting to 24-Hour Home Care – What Families & Seniors Need to Know
One of the most common questions for adult children is how to best provide support for their aging parent who lives at home. Sometimes, a parent simply needs help with a few tasks each week or an aide to assist them at times when they are unable to do so themselves. However, sometimes, seniors need around-the-clock help with their daily lives or medical concerns.
Fortunately, there are many options for families to help a senior live independently while receiving the support they need. Here are some of the most common types of care available and how they can be used:
Live-In Care – Caregivers will live in the home with your loved one. This is ideal for those who want a one-on-one carer to develop a caring and intimate relationship with their elderly relative and help them retain as much independence as possible, whilst also receiving the personalised care they need.
24 Hour Home Care – This option provides full time, round the clock care and coverage for your loved one in their own home. This care is provided by a dedicated team of professional caregivers and is billed at an hourly rate.
The cost of a 24-hour home caregiver can vary from agency to agency, but most are able to offer you a quote based on a few simple factors such as the number of hours your family need care and the specific duties the carer will perform.
A carer will be there all day and night, taking care of your loved one’s daily activities such as meal preparation, bathing, hygiene and medication administration. This is a very cost-effective way to ensure your loved one receives the best in care, compared to an extended hospital stay.
This type of care is usually a great choice for older adults who have a chronic health condition, such as dementia or diabetes. This care will give them a much-needed break, which can reduce the risk of developing further complications or even death.
In addition, a caregiver can help your loved one with everyday activities that they may not be able to do themselves, such as shopping or visiting friends. The carer will provide a safe and secure environment for your loved one and help them to continue living in their own home with the highest level of comfort and dignity.
It is often the case that seniors who are unable to leave their home, such as with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, need around-the-clock care. This care can be a huge relief to your parent and their family, but it is important to ensure that the care provider understands the specific needs of your loved one.
Depending on the type of care your senior requires, they may be eligible to receive government-funded help through Medicaid or Medicare. Those programs can be helpful for families who have little income or who are struggling to afford the costs of 24-hour care.
