How To Decide Between Home Health Care Or Assisted Living
When considering elder care options, most people think first of either home care or assisted living. If your elderly parent needs help with daily tasks, but can live independently, considering home health care could be the best option.
Home health care providers can share with many of the tasks that mom or dad may not be able to do. Running errands, shopping, cooking, housekeeping or helping with hygiene are just a few of the things that a home health care provider can do to accomodate the needs of the patient and their familiy.
When the parent starts to struggle with their daily tasks, it becomes evident that it may not be safe for the parent to live safely on their own without help or support. Doing the every day things may be difficult and age related limitations may require assistance. Many seniors have limited mobility, and housework becomes impossible to manage. Symptoms and signs may include noticing that the seniors home is unkempt or the parent seems to wear the same clothes every time you visit.
Forgetfulness and early Alzheimers can complicate matters, since medication may be forgotten and potential safety issues will emerge.
Depending on the parent's condition and current standard of living, considering home health care versus assisted living may be a difficult decision. Most seniors prefer to remain independent as long as possible and may feel that moving to an assisted living facility and away from their home will rob them of their ability to be independent. Others may welcome the opportunity to relinquish their housekeeping chores and live in a situation with potential social opportunities.
Sometimes to your parent, moving to a new environment with full time care may be necessary. However, in most cases, home care is an excellent choice. Most seniors admit they would be happier remaining in their homes. Home elder care includes many services, and can be flexible - ramping up during times when the patient requires more attention, and scaling back during stages that the parent has family visiting or needs less support. Familiar circumstances and surroundings can contribute to the senior's happiness, and mental and physical health.
Flexility of home elder care includes whether it is temporary or long term. Home care can be for daytime help, nighttime support, overnight assistance or for weekends or covering holidays.
Especially if you may be traveling and you are concerned about leaving your senior parent unattended, the flexibility of home health care or home aide and assistance, can provide great peace of mind and a respite for primary caregivers.
Hygiene assistance, meal prep or cooking, light housekeeping, errands, home repairs, handyman services, chores or other assistance are available. The visits are typically welcomed and the companionship is helpful for the elderly parent.
What types of concerns have troubled you with your aging parent? Have you been the primary caregiver, and have you had time for yourself? You may want to consider a flexible home care situation to take a break and recharge your own batteries so you can be the best support a son or daughter could be.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.