How to choose a senior home care option that fits your needs
Are you starting to have uncomfortable conversations with your senior relative? Maybe a mother, father, aunt or uncle? It’s likely this may be the case if you’re increasingly concerned about their safety as they age.
You may think it’s time to consider assisted living or senior home care options. However, these considerations may be met with resistance, especially if your relative insists that they want to stay in their home.
It’s essential to ensure that your loved one is receiving the appropriate care and support to maintain their quality of life. In many cases, relatives are not able to provide the adequate care their aging relatives need. They may have full-time jobs, young children, or busy schedules that prevent them from fully supporting their loved ones.
While some seniors prefer to age in place, receiving care in the comfort of their own homes, others may require more specialized assistance. Consider the following senior home care options, which are each tailored to meet the unique needs of elderly individuals.
In-home caregivers. In-home caregivers are trained professionals who provide personalized care within the senior's residence. They can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. In-home care allows seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the support they require. Caregivers can be hired on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the individual's needs. While this option can be ideal, it can be cost-prohibitive for some families. The average in-home caregiver in Indiana makes about $50,000 a year. The cost to the family may be extra, depending upon whether the caregiver is hired through a third-party. The family also may need to cover the costs of a health professional to periodically check on their loved one.
Live-in caretakers. For seniors who require round-the-clock care and supervision, live-in caregivers offer continuous assistance within the senior's home. These caregivers typically stay in the senior's residence for several days or weeks at a time, providing continuous support and companionship. This option is similar to the cost of an in-home caretaker, assuming that the individual is provided with living accommodations. Also, consider additional costs associated with this option, including the increased use of utilities.
Home health care. Home health care services are typically provided by licensed medical professionals, including registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This option is ideal for seniors recovering from illnesses, surgeries, or managing chronic medical conditions. Home health care offers specialized medical services, wound care, rehabilitation, and therapy within the comfort of the senior's home.
Adult day care. Adult day care centers offer a structured environment for seniors during the day. These centers provide social activities, meals, and assistance with daily tasks. Adult day care can be an excellent option for seniors who need supervision and socialization while family members are at work or when caregivers need respite. It can also be a great way to keep seniors engaged and active within a supportive community.
Assisted living at home. Assisted living at home, also known as "aging in place with support," combines the familiarity of home with the benefits of assisted living. Professional caregivers and support staff visit the senior's home regularly to provide assistance with daily tasks, medical management, and other needs. This option allows seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the necessary care and support as they age.
Hospice care. Hospice care is designed for individuals with terminal illnesses or life-limiting conditions. Hospice teams consist of medical professionals, counselors, and volunteers who provide compassionate care and support during the end-of-life stage. Hospice care can be delivered at home, ensuring the senior remains comfortable and surrounded by loved ones in their final days.
Telehealth and remote monitoring. With the latest technological advancements, telehealth services and remote monitoring have increasingly become viable options for seniors. These services allow healthcare professionals to monitor seniors' health conditions remotely, provide medical consultations, and manage medication regimens. Telehealth can be especially beneficial for seniors living in remote areas or those with mobility limitations.
Another option for seniors
While these options can be ideal for many individuals, Medic Home Care provides yet another model for a comprehensive form of senior care that may be ideal for your loved one. Medic Home Care combines at-home care and a more comprehensive form of telehealth services to ensure that seniors in Indiana are able to thrive at home.
In addition to providing many services to support seniors — including checking for medication adherence, checking the refrigerator and pantry for healthy food, and taking out the trash on collection days, Medic Home Care’s health professionals will help individuals connect with their physicians on their appointment days. They also can check the individual’s vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation levels. At the physician’s request during the telehealth visit, they can perform real-time EKGs and point-of-care blood work — all in your loved one’s home.
Choosing the right senior home care option is a significant decision that should be based on the senior's specific needs, preferences, and health conditions. Whether it's in-home caregivers, home health care, adult day care, assisted living at home, hospice care, live-in care, telehealth services or a special monthly plan with Medic Home Care, the primary focus should be on ensuring the senior's safety, well-being, and overall happiness.
Families should carefully assess the available options, seek professional advice if needed, and make the best choice to provide their beloved seniors with the highest quality of care possible.
Learn more about Medic Home Care by contacting us at (317) 998-6428