Many individuals want to age gracefully in the comfort of their home but may need support to do so. Daily tasks can become more challenging as we get older, and assistance might be necessary to live comfortably and safely.
In-home care is an option many families consider when their older loved one needs assistance. However, for some, the idea of having someone outside the family help care for them causes anxiety. Feeling trepidation about change is natural. However, some common misconceptions about home care can drive difficult decision-making among families for the sake of their older loved one’s care.
It’s important to understand the capabilities of home care professionals to take advantage of their services and see if they are right for your situation.
Myth #1: In-Home Care is Expensive
Everyone’s situation is different. Costs are always a factor depending on your needs and plans for the future. Across the board, in-home care is comparable to the cost of other senior care services.
What it comes down to is preference. Is staying at home in a familiar environment receiving one-on-one care important? Or is living close to other seniors with meals and activities provided essential?
When you choose in-home care, one-on-one assistance is provided inside the home, meaning the owner has to account for housing for themselves. Lodging and meals are included in facilities or assisted living, and a team provides care on a shared basis. Depending on your needs, home caregivers can help those in independent living facilities to provide another layer of support.
Myth # 2: In-Home Care Means Losing My Independence
The opposite is true. The purpose of home care is to help individuals stay safe and comfortable in their homes to keep their independence. Caregivers give you tips and assistance to help with daily tasks and see how you’re doing.
Say your loved one had been released from the hospital. An in-home caregiver could help them prepare meals, assist with medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation to aid their recovery. For older loved ones, caregivers are often a source of companionship and help with personal care and hygiene. Caregivers perform these services not to impede anyone’s freedom but to ensure those in their care are safely managing daily tasks.
Myth #3: If a Family Member is Caring For You, Home Care Isn’t Needed
Family caregivers play an important role. Adult children and other relatives might be able to help older loved ones with personal care, meals, housekeeping, and transportation. While helpful family members are a great asset, a professional caregiver can offer an additional layer of support.
Caregivers can be there when family members have other obligations, such as work, to ensure care is provided when needed. Having a caregiver also means having someone there to support family caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed providing care on their own.
Myth #4: In-Home Care Is Not an Option for Those Who Need 24/7 Care
Not true. Home care agencies offer full-time or part-time support services depending on your family’s situation and needs. Care plans are customized to meet the client’s specific needs and keep your loved one safe and comfortable at home. If a senior needs 24/7 or live-in care, home care agencies can accommodate them.
Myth #5: In-Home Caregivers Cannot Be Trusted
It is understandable to take precautions when letting someone new into your home, especially when planning for your older loved one’s health. This is a common worry most families have when hiring a home caregiver to assist their older relatives.
If you hire a caregiver from a reputable agency, they will have undergone background checks and training before employment. Agencies also provide assessments at the start to create a plan of care. For example, at Westchester Family Care, all our caregivers are New York HHA certified and receive continuing education. Our Registered Nurses provide an in-home assessment to create a plan of care and continuously review it with your participation to deliver the quality of care needed.
Myth #6: In-Home Care is Only for the Seriously Ill
Home caregivers do treat individuals with chronic illnesses, but they also help those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. There are various reasons someone might use home care, whether it is for a short period of time or a long-term service they rely on for daily assistance. From providing companionship, assisting with meal preparation, providing personal care, or offering transportation, there are many ways a professional caregiver can improve day-to-day living for those in their care.
Receiving home care is life-changing for many people. If you think having additional assistance in the home for you or a loved one would be the right call, we’re here to help. Contact Westchester Family Care today to get started.