In-Home Eldercare: Is It Right For You?

| Sunday, February 16, 2014
By Kristana Jenson


For many adults, the loss of some independence is an inevitable accompaniment to the process of aging. This might be due to illness or simply because our bodies can no longer function the way they used to. When this occurs, we all need a little bit of extra help, and at some point, it can be a good idea to think about some level of in-home care.

When discussing in-home care, there are two different types. Health care that is provided in your home is one type and that very well might be covered by insurance. This means that a licensed nurse or perhaps an occupational or physical therapist is coming into your home to provide some amount of medical care. It could be to help you deal with the after effects of an injury or a stroke. It could be to provide home hospice care for a loved one with a terminal disease, such as cancer, Huntington's disease or ALS.

In-home care, on the other hand, is non-medical in nature and typically refers to having someone come in and help with the tasks of daily life. This could be as simple as helping with laundry and house cleaning. It could also mean completing tasks such as shopping for groceries or other supplies. Meal preparation also might be included in these services. Other services might include help with bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing, as well as ensuring the medications are taken properly.

There are several advantages present with in-home care. For one thing, a person is able to stay in their own home, which can be very appealing for obvious reasons. In-home care also can be far less costly than opting for assisted living or a skilled nursing facility. Having a trusted person providing daily or round-the-clock care also can lessen the stress on family members who might be worried about their loved one but unable to provide the care that is needed.

It's difficult to find a caregiver on your own which is why it might be wise to look for an eldercare placement firm that specializes in finding the right match for your needs. These services take your needs and budget limits into consideration and produce a list of qualified, pre-screened caregivers in your immediate area. CarePlacement.com is one such service, and they can find a variety of options for your consideration.

Eventually, you might opt for a different type of eldercare. Sometimes an assisted living community can be a good option, especially if your budget permits. Perhaps you might consider living in a nursing home, which also is called a skilled nursing facility. These are options for people who potentially need 24-hour medical care or who do not have the budget one needs to live at an assisted living facility. Board and care homes are another option for those working with a tighter budget. All of these options provide some socialization and often a variety of activities, which might be a good choice if you are feeling a bit shut-in at your private home.




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