As you research your in-home care options in southern Arizona, you might come across information on blogs or message boards that isn’t accurate. It’s important to know where to find good sources so that it isn’t even harder to make an informed decision. Here is a look at the most common in-home care myths and why they are inaccurate so that you and your family have the guidance you need.
In-Home Care Isn’t Safe
In-home care is actually a lot safer than letting an elderly person live alone. As your loved one ages, they are at a higher risk of a fall, injury, illness, or accident. If they need mobility assistance, are on medication, or have a medical condition, that risk increases. Hiring an in-home caregiver can supplement family caregiving and ensure your loved one is safe at home.
A caregiver can make sure your loved one moves around the home safely, bathes properly, eats regular meals, and takes their medication as prescribed. They can also offer companionship and conversation, which will reduce your loved one’s risk of isolation and depression.
In-Home Care Is Just as Expensive as Assisted Living
While the cost of in-home care vs. assisted living depends on a wide range of factors, in general, in-home care is usually less expensive than assisted living. This is because you have more flexibility with in-home care and can hire a caregiver for the specific days and hours needed. With assisted living, you must pay for 24/7 care as well as rent, utilities, and additional services. You don’t always have the option to pick and choose the services your loved one needs.
It’s Risky Having a Stranger in Your Home
In-home caregivers must undergo stringent background checks. They are screened to make sure they don’t have a criminal background or any driving violations. They also typically have years of experience and have completed specific educational requirements and training protocols. While it can be hard to get used to having a stranger in your home, in time, a home caregiver will feel like an extension of your family.
Seniors Lose Independence When You Hire a Home Caregiver
It is actually easier for seniors to maintain independence with an in-home caregiver vs. entering an assisted living facility. They can remain in their own home, surrounded by their own belongings. They can also keep their pets with them and have loved ones and friends visit whenever they want.
An in-home senior care specialist can help your loved one stay safe and comfortable in the privacy of their home and provide assistance with the specific daily tasks needed. Most seniors retain more independence when they age in place at home as compared to when they enter an assisted living home.
Our Family Can Act as Caregivers for Our Loved One
While family members can be very skilled caregivers for loved ones, they shouldn’t be responsible for providing 24/7/365 care. All caregivers need a break to look after their own physical and mental health.
It’s also helpful to have a professional take care of certain needs, such as toileting, grooming, bathing, and dressing. An in-home caregiver can provide scheduled daily or weekly care as well as respite care when family members are unavailable or need a break.
Only Really Sick People Need In-Home Care Services
Elderly people can benefit from home care services even if they aren’t bedridden, immobile, or seriously or terminally ill. Caregivers provide assistance with a wide range of tasks, including getting to and from different areas of the home, remembering to take medication, preparing meals, going grocery shopping, doing light housework, and providing transportation to medical appointments and social engagements. While really sick people also need home care, people who are relatively independent might also appreciate the companionship and added security.
It’s Better to Go to the Hospital Rather Than Hire a Caregiver
Going to the hospital is stressful and expensive and sometimes can be more risky than recovering in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Unless your loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, they may prefer to remain at home, where they can be looked after by a comforting and experienced professional. In fact, many patients actually recover faster at home than they would in an unfamiliar and stressful clinical setting.
Home Caregivers Aren’t as Experienced as Assisted Living Staff
Your home caregiver has undergone extensive training and is more than competent in providing the specific services your loved one needs. You can also choose a caregiver who has specific experience in the area in which your loved one needs assistance. For instance, if your loved one is recovering from surgery, has a chronic disease like diabetes, or needs mobility assistance, you can find a caregiver who has that level of training.
My Loved One Probably Isn’t Eligible for Home Care
Anyone can hire a home caregiver, whether they need temporary rehabilitative care, long-term care, or hospice care. You and your loved one can determine what specific services are needed and then find a caregiver who offers that level of care.
While some caregivers only offer companionship and assistance with the tasks of daily living, others offer more advanced services like Alzheimer’s care, memory care, joint replacement care, medication management, meal preparation, nursing care, hospice care, rehabilitative therapy, and more.
In-Home Caregivers Don’t Provide Hospice Care
Many home health care agencies do offer in-home hospice care. If your loved one would prefer not to enter a hospice facility, a home caregiver can offer them the same level of palliative care, and they can remain in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
Many hospice patients would rather stay at home and have the freedom and flexibility offered by a home caregiver than enter an unfamiliar clinical setting where they may not be able to have visitors as often.
Family Will No Longer Have a Role in Care
Home caregivers actually work closely with family members to develop care plans. Because your loved one will still be in their own home, you will be able to visit as often as you’d like. You can also be involved in developing your loved one’s care plan, overseeing their care, and providing day-to-day companionship and assistance.
My Loved One Doesn’t Want Care Services
It might be true that your loved one doesn’t want in-home care or doesn’t feel comfortable about the idea of having a stranger in their home. However, it’s still best to have a conversation with your loved one to gauge their feelings and concerns.
It’s possible that your loved one will come around when you explain the benefits of in-home care services and go over the alternatives. If your loved one feels that they have a voice in the matter, they may feel empowered to make the choice for themselves.
Call Placita In Home Care to Get Answers to Your Home Care Questions
If you have further questions or concerns about in-home care in southern Arizona, our friendly, knowledgeable team at Placita In Home Care can help. We can explain the benefits of home care services, determine your loved one’s specific needs, and design a personalized care plan. We offer ongoing and scheduled care services as well as occasional and respite home care.
We also offer Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home hospice care, and joint replacement care. If you determine that your loved one would be better off in an assisted living facility, our complimentary assisted living placement services can help you find the right home for your budget and needs. To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.