The last few months have shown many families it’s time to rethink how they provide continued care for their aging loved one. This is especially the case for families with seniors that have recently been or are planning to be discharged from the hospital.
While senior living facilities have traditionally been a common choice, some are now questioning their safety and looking for other available options during this time.
These safety concerns are shaping our expectations of senior care and will likely change how we all approach it for the foreseeable future.
Live-in home care is now becoming more practical for both safety and budgeting reasons.
(A special thanks to our live-in caregivers and clients!)
The Benefits of Live-In Care for High-Risk Patients
Social distancing is proving to be a necessary measure to help seniors and high-risk individuals. Assisted living facilities are taking precautions by following the CDC’s guidelines to increase social distancing and prevent the spread of infection. However, many families are starting to weigh the benefits of live-in home care for seniors.
- Dedicated one-on-one assistance
- Reduced number of caregiver shift changes
- Patients receive care from the comfort of home
- Minimal disruption of established home routines
- Couples can remain living together
- Care plan flexibility
- Helps increase social distancing while avoiding social isolation
Live-In Care Helps Limit Exposure
Live-in home care helps limit transmission by having a single point of contact for care.
If your loved one can live at home with one-on-one assistance, home care might be a safer option for preventing exposure. Live-in care is optimal for those who need frequent assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship.
Across the nation, care providers are stepping up how to care for seniors. Like Westchester Family Care, home care agencies have implemented screening protocols in-line with CDC recommendations and under the direction of our nursing staff. By having a dedicated caregiver, you can develop a care plan for your loved one with social distancing in mind.
Requirements for Hiring a Live-In Caregiver
When hiring a live-in caregiver you will want to keep the following in mind:
- All of the caregiver’s time is spent on-premise or accompanying the client
- The caregiver will be staying with your loved one and should have a separate sleeping area within the residence
- The Live-in caregiver is available in the home but does have non-work time for sleep and breaks within the home typically corresponding with the clients’
- The caregiver is always accessible in case of an emergency
Our Approach to Live-In Home Care During Coronavirus
Westchester Family Care is putting safety first when it comes to home care and the coronavirus.
All of our live-in and hourly caregivers are required to pass daily screening and temperature checks to ensure the safety of our clients. We also are continuing to practice social distancing best practices where possible, and caregivers are required to wear a surgical mask at all times.
Additionally, we have continued our on-going caregiver training program. Using video conferencing, we’re able to train our caregivers on infection control and best practices specific to COVID.
If your loved one needs help with daily activities of living, following up doctor’s appointments, taking medications, or keeping them safe from falls, we’re here to help.