Senior Care: Most of us have at least one person in our family we could call an ‘elder.’
While the term can be used somewhat loosely (such as a 40-something uncle or grandparent figure), it’s mostly used when referring to a person in their late 60s, 70s, 80s, or older. When that ‘elder’ needs some type of senior care -whether it’s for short-term needs or something a bit longer in duration- home care will tend to be the best option.
This happens to be the case for a range of reasons. Let’s look into a few of the reasons why home care is often best when someone needs what may be referred to as ‘elder care.’
1. Home care often has experience.
This isn’t a blanket statement (meaning every home care provider has experience), but when you hire through an agency, more often than not you will find a care provider who has at least some experience.
When a person is in need and considered ‘elderly,’ the last thing you or anyone else in the family will want are mistakes. You don’t want things being overlooked, missed, or bad choices made, which could put the elder in harm’s way.
Home care aides have often worked with other elderly men and women through the years. They understand what an aging person needs, what is still important to discuss (things that matter when
it comes to quality of life, for example), and how to find the balance between the two, which often takes family members a long, long time to learn.
If you want an elder care option for someone you love that is best, turn to home care.
2. This type of elder care will offer better consistency.
‘Better’ than what? Well, for the most part, it means better than what most family members could provide. While family and the closest of friends are usually most concerned with safety and ensuring their aging loved one is safe, many have other responsibilities as well.
It’s not all about the senior.
Because of that, these family caregivers may not be able to provide a good level of consistency when it comes to being there. The family member might miss a morning because they’re running late for work. Or they may not be able to stop by after work because of a pressing deadline.
That doesn’t tend to seem like a big deal at the time, but as it happens more and more, it puts the senior at risk and erodes confidence and trust in that care provider. Home care will be there when you hire through an agency.
3. Home care can offer flexibility.
That’s not all the time, though, but when you hire through an agency, you should be able to enjoy flexible hours and schedules. Agencies will have a number of caregivers on staff to ‘fill in the gaps’ when necessary.
So, when it comes to senior care needs, turning to home care is one of the best to consider, and these are just a few of the great reasons why.