How do you determine whether live in care is good or bad for your loved one?
Seniors who need extra care at home often wonder whether to get live-in care or move into a nursing home. However, making the right choice requires a thorough understanding of the pros and cons. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating the situation.
Type of care needed
Live-in care can be gradual or sudden, so assessing the care required is essential. Initially, a senior may only need assistance with housekeeping and laundry every week. Over time, that need may include dressing, managing medications, and preparing meals. Often, family and friends provide these services, or a paid caregiver visit regularly.
Amount of care needed
Many seniors only need a few hours of live-in care each week, but others may need more. For instance, seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or chronic conditions may need 24-hour care at home to maintain their health. A situation like this can quickly overwhelm even the most loving and dedicated members affected by the stress.
Thus, hiring full-time caregivers leads to higher live-in care costs and more limitations.
Level of socialization
There is often a lack of awareness about how much isolation affects seniors living at home. Among the health risks for isolated seniors are dementia, heart disease, stroke, heart failure, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, being surrounded by friends, making new friends, and spending time with others benefit older adults greatly.
Some families schedule weekly visits to combat isolation, so their loved one gets plenty of company. Family members who aren’t close by or don’t have the time find this much more challenging.
Nutritional needs
Seniors living at home may not notice it initially, but nutrition is one concern. Often, seniors don’t eat the right foods, eat regular meals, or aren’t enjoy eating because of some issues. These issues include difficulty swallowing or chewing, the medication that affects food’s taste or reduces appetite, or difficulty preparing meals.
Hence, families can provide meals and grocery shopping or hire someone to come daily for meals.
Live-in care has its pros and cons. It’s up to you to assess and weigh down your priorities for the benefit of your seniors. With MyHome Care, you can enjoy life with caring team members and residents who aren’t just there to exist. There is always an opportunity where you can learn new things, meet new people, and be active daily. Contact us today to learn more about what MyHome Care can do for you.