Home care helps older adults age at home. It’s a helpful way to support your mom and dad as they get older. As abilities change, caregivers offer the supportive care your parents need to remain at home and avoid a move.
While home care helps seniors live in their homes, there are common misconceptions about home care. You’ve probably heard some of them or already believe some to be true.
Home Care is No Different to Hiring Housekeepers
Some people think of home care as a cleaning service. The caregivers are there to do the housework and laundry. There’s far more to it than that.
Caregivers provide companionship. You can hire caregivers to take your mom to the museum or beach. You could arrange to have caregivers stop by to play a weekly game of chess with your dad. You can arrange companionship services and never hire caregivers to help with cleaning.
Agencies Decide What Care is Given
A home care agency works with your family to make sure your parents have the help they need. Care services are not added without your approval. You go over the options and pick and choose what will most help your parents as they age at home.
Care Plans Get Locked In
Once a care plan is designed, you can change it. They’re not set in stone with no flexibility. If your parents’ needs change, services can be added and removed.
It’s Unaffordable
Professional caregivers don’t work for free. There is a cost involved, but it’s not unaffordable. You control costs by hiring home care services that your parents need and skipping those they don’t.
If your parents have long-term care insurance, the cost of home care is manageable. They may qualify for benefits like the VA’s Aid and Attendance that can help with the cost of some services.
It’s Risky
The media has highlighted many cases of caregivers stealing from the elderly. You’ve probably seen them. Consider how many home care aides work in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Services, there are more than 3.4 million personal care and home health aides in the U.S. Statistically, the number of caregivers who steal or mistreat those in their care is very small.
Partner with a home care agency that does drug screenings and background checks of those they hire. That adds another layer of protection. If you stay active in your parents’ care, you won’t have to worry about the care they’re getting.
It Ends Independence
Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions is that it ends an older adult’s independence. The opposite is true. With home care services, your parents remain independent. They’re able to stay at home and do the things they love when they want to.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Newark, NJ or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at Perfect Touch Home Care Firm today! (908) 469-2701
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
