As a population we are living longer, and with that can come the loss of independence. The need for help with tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning and yard work. We may even be medically retired from driving, cutting us from going out, socializing and enjoying our hobbies.
If we live close enough, we help our aging loved ones by undertaking these tasks for them but it can be a strain balancing all the responsibilities. For many, the discussion of hiring in-home care services vs. moving into assisted living eventually comes up. Here, we discuss the two options.
In-Home Care
In-home care means that your loved one gets to stay in their own home, surrounded by their belongings. They can still enjoy the garden that they’ve tended for years, keep in touch with neighbors and enjoy local friendships they have built up. They don’t have to give up their pets or lose the years of memories.
In home care can flex up and down, from as little as one hour a week to 24/7. You can decide which services your loved one needs, including but not limited to:
- Personal care
- Meal assistance
- Exercise & recreation
- Errand accompaniment
- Laundry & home upkeep
- Reading assistance
- Injury prevention
- Pet Care
- Transportation
- Appointment setting
- Light housekeeping & maintenance
- Medication reminders
- Hygiene assistance
- Companionship
- Respite care
- Post-hospital care
When asked, most people want to stay in their own home and in-home care provides this while taking the strain off of you, the caregiver.
Assisted Living
In assisted living, your loved one lives with other seniors in a facility. The facility will not necessarily extend to medical assistance, but they get help with daily chores. Some assisted living places offer self-contained apartments with a communal area, while others just a bedroom and bathroom with the rest of the facilities shared.
Whilst your loved one will no longer be in there own home, they will be with other seniors. Depression and loneliness can be tough so having others around could help ease this, though we can all still feel lonely even when surrounded by others, especially those we don’t know.
The Bottom-Line
From our experience, and from research, in-home care always comes out on top. Nothing beats living in your own home for as long as possible. At Americare Main Line we match our carers with their charges. Unlike some companies, we work hard to ensure your loved one has the same carer every time, building up a trusting and caring relationship with them.
With the help of in-home care, both you and your loved one can enjoy life more – with you no longer juggling so much and your loved one not worrying about being a burden on you.