In-Home Eldercare: Is It Right For You?

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.

However, those with medical needs are not the only people who need daily in-home care. Many people simply are no longer able to accomplish tasks such as cleaning, cooking and doing laundry. While you could certainly hire a housekeeper to attend to those three tasks, there are many daily personal tasks such as dressing and grooming that also might be difficult. A home-care worker can help with that as well as bathing and toileting when needed as well as ensuring that your loved one is taking medications properly and eating balanced meals throughout the day.

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.

Of course, you have to find that special person or service that truly fits your needs. There are companies, such as CarePlacement.com, that match people to caregivers or to different care options. After filling out a detailed application, they can find a list of caregivers that can provide the services you need at a cost that you can afford. Once you have a list, you can interview candidates and find someone with whom you have a good rapport.

There are certainly other options that you might be thinking about. If you have a good-sized budget, an assisted living apartment community can be a great option. These facilities offer tons of amenities and social activities as well as help with all of your daily needs. Board and care homes generally are less expensive and provide a more homelike ambiance than assisted living and more social interaction than you might have by staying at home. A nursing home also can be a more budget-friendly option, and these days nursing homes try very hard to provide a good mix of social functions and amenities. It is important to note that board and care homes and assisted living do not take insurance, while a nursing home generally does take several types of insurance, particularly if you have some medical needs.




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