According to research, 92% of older adults would prefer to live in their current home instead of going into assisted living. This is clearly now the preferred option and there’s expected to be a greater need for in-home care as the Baby Boomer generation enters old age. Staying at home has its obvious benefits, including comfort, familiarity, and independence, but it’s not without its challenges. One key solution is 24-hour in-home care, which helps elderly people remain at home as they age.
Why Aging in Place Matters
The are numerous emotional and physical benefits of aging in place:
Emotional Benefits
The emotional benefits of aging in place include being in a familiar environment. This familiarity reduces stress and is better for mental health. Many older people have lived in their homes for decades and being able to stay there is much better for them mentally and emotionally. Our homes connect us to our memories and belongings. Having to leave all of this behind after such a long time has a negative impact on mental health.
Physical Benefits
When mental health is better, it means people are more likely to have better physical health, as they will be interested in doing things to maintain or improve their physical health. There’s also the fact that the person is familiar with their environment. For example, they will know their way around any obstacles.
Moving to an unfamiliar setting comes with potential risks of people not knowing where they are and how to move around safely. What’s more, care packages for aging at home are customizable so care can be administered safely as needed in the home.
In-Home Care Options
There are a variety of in-home care options available. The great thing about it is that it’s customizable to the individual’s needs. Options include part-time, live-in, and 24-hour care. The most comprehensive choice for those with advanced care needs is 24-hour in-home care like that offered by Husky Senior Care whose plans are customized by educated caregivers.
Features of a Successful In-Home Care Program
Here’s what you could expect from a successful in-home care program:
- A personalized care plan: Care plans can’t be a universal approach, as no two individuals will need the same level or frequency of care. Plans should be tailored to the individual and address their unique health and lifestyle needs.
- Highly trained caregivers: Not everyone makes a good caregiver. Caregivers need to have an appropriate bedside manner while also understanding potentially complex medical conditions and treatment needs.
- Family communication and support: Having aging relatives is worrisome for the family. Many people are worried about in-home care compared to facility care, so communication and support are crucial. Tools like real-time care tracking are vital because they help reassure the service user’s loved ones that all is well and keep them up-to-date with everything they need to know.
- Comprehensive assistance: Caregiving encompasses many different aspects. Individuals should have comprehensive assistance in all aspects of their lives so that their final years are fulfilling. They should be able to access lots of activities of daily living (ADLs), transportation, and meal preparation, for example, and not just medical care and treatment.
Finances
Considering 24-hour in-home care means you need to consider finances and budgets. The cost can vary significantly depending on:
- Where you live: The minimum wage of the city you live in will have an impact on how much care costs. For example, Seattle has higher minimum wages so care costs are then higher.
- State regulations: Some states have laws that help lower costs because they have a “sleeping component.” This means caregivers are permitted to rest during certain hours.
Tips for Choosing a Provider
Choosing caregivers isn’t an easy task and it can be emotionally challenging. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:
- Look at the provider’s reputation: Read reviews from existing customers and testimonials.
- Look at the provider’s qualifications: Make sure the caregivers are trained in senior care and that they have the required experience needed.
- Understand the care plans offered: Make sure you ask how care plans are developed and monitored, including the frequency of reviews.
Endnote
Having the right care in place for an aging individual is crucial for their health and comfort, and also for your reassurance. There are plenty of advantages to aging in place, which we’ve highlighted in this article. Above all, service user comfort and happiness can be maintained much more if they’re able to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are many services that can help but it’s essential to do research and review care settings to ensure that the level of care is appropriate for your loved one’s needs.