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The Importance of Home Health Care

Debunking three common elder care myths

Misconceptions surrounding the various types of senior care can make the decision making process difficult. Here are three common elder care myths, pulling back the curtain to reveal its various benefits.

Three elder care myths explained

Myth: If I use senior care services, I am going to lose my independence.

Truth: Senior care services actually encourage and support independent living.

Home care services are designed to keep seniors living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Assisted living facilities provide individual apartments and rooms that allow elders to live independently in a safe, secure and supportive environment.

Myth: My family already helps me. I don?t need any additional assistance or care.

Truth: Loved ones are susceptible to stress and caregiver burnout.

Family members can only do so much and, in many cases, cannot provide care for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Companion careprovided by in-home care agencies or adult day care centers are excellent ways to get family members some respite opportunities.

Myth: I need to live with my loved ones in case something happens to me.

Truth: Help is just a phone call away.

Assisted living communities alleviate the burdens that come with living alone, with systems in place to provide immediate assistance in case you need help. On the other hand, many home care agencies can provide a home health nursing aide at any time?night or day.

Benefits of skilled care and custodial home care

Home health care is one of the most flexible senior care options available today. Home care typically falls into two categories: skilled care and non-medical care.

Skilled care from a home care agency

A wide variety of skilled care options are available, including the following:

1. Nursing care. Trained medical professionals, such as an RN, can provide a range of services, from wound care, giving medicines, ostomy care and more.
2. Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can help a loved one improve their ability to handle daily living activities, such as new ways to get dressed, eat and bathe.
3. ?Physical therapy. Physical therapists can help a loved one improve their range of motion, regain the use of weakened muscles and more.
4. ?Speech therapy. If you loved one needs help communicating, a speech therapist can teach your loved one communication techniques and practice those techniques.

Custodial care from a home care agency

In many cases, combining skilled care and custodial home care services is best for your elder. Home health aides can provide personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing and getting out of bed. A homemaker or home attendant can assist your loved one with light household duties, such as shopping, preparing meals, doing the laundry and more.

Home care services are customizable to fit your needs. In 2011, according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the daily rate for a home health aide was $21 versus $19 for a homemaker.

The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Private Caregiver

Over time, most family caregivers reach a point where they need additional help in the home. Bringing outside caregivers into the home means turning to an in-home care agency for assistance or hiring a private caregiver. When making a decision, you should review both caregiving options.

Three pros of private caregivers

1. Individual relationship. Hiring a private caregiver allows you, the person receiving care, and the caregiver to develop strong, personal relationships.
2. Choice. Hiring a private caregiver means you get to conduct the interviews; you get to select the caregiver.
3. Cost. Traditionally speaking, hiring a private caregiver is usually less expensive than going through an agency.

Three cons of private caregivers

1. Paperwork and taxes. You are responsible for payroll taxes and handling the paperwork for the private caregiver.
2. No substitute. In most cases, if the private caregiver is sick, then you may not have a substitute in place.
3. Insurance coverage. Private insurance and Medicaid may not cover the cost of the caregiver.

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Be sure to involve your loved one in the decision-making process and continue to explain the benefits of professional care assistance, and you should be able to make them feel more open to receiving help.

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