It is not easy for anyone to allow a stranger in their home to help do things they may have done on their own up to this point. Most times it is the person requiring care who refuses it; other times it is a family member who may be uncomfortable leaving a loved one with a stranger. Either way, many family members opt to take the path where they can take care of their loved one’s on their own, especially if it is their own mother or father requiring the care. Watching your elders begin to lose their independence can prove to be a very challenging reality to face. However, both the family member and the elder need to come to an understanding of what consequences could come from making the wrong choice, which can differ for every family. These decisions include anything from medication to finances, as well as living situations and choosing which type of care to move forward with. Family members should always include the elder in all decisions and make them feel like they have a say in what the next step of their life will be. Remember it is about them. The final decision should reflect their desires, while still being realistic.
If your loved one is medically able to remain at home, in home care may be the best choice. In home care provides a sense of independence while keeping their surroundings comfortable and familiar opposed to a facility where they may feel helpless and confused. In home care will provide your elder with full attention and one on one time, as well as promote healing at a faster rate for those being released from the hospital due to an infection, fall, etc. Not to mention it is over 30% more affordable than a nursing facility.
As mentioned before, many family members choosing in home care ultimately want to be able to care and provide for their loved one. There are many understandable reasons for this such as not wanting strangers caring for their loved one, guilt, financial difficulties, fear of the unknown, or simply because they are in the healthcare field themselves. While this option may feel more comfortable at first, many don’t realize the toll it can take on them. It can build up a lot of stress which can directly affect ones happiness in time. Allowing a homecare aide to care for your loved one can alleviate some of this stress while providing you time to yourself to run errands, enjoy your hobbies, and spend time with friends or family of your own. Your loved one will appreciate your visits that much more and there will be less of a role reversal, resulting in much more happiness all around.
Whatever path you and your loved one choose, we wish you good health and happiness. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have or to send one of our compassionate caregivers your way!