Home Care Assistance or Residential Care?

Today, seniors increasingly want to remain in their homes as long as possible and delay living in a retirement home. This option is feasible as long as the person is in good health or has access to appropriate home services. Though friends and family members can be invaluable, it is nevertheless important for our seniors to research the range of options available to them so they can continue their preferred lifestyle. There are different levels and types of home care available depending on the needs of your loved ones.

 

Planning ahead

All too often, families don’t really talk about this or hesitate to make decisions until something unfortunate happens and it becomes unavoidable. Then family members as well as doctors and other healthcare providers have to make decisions in the best interest of the person concerned. They have to determine if the person can remain in their home with the assistance of appropriate home care or if residential care has become necessary.

Home care can be a very viable solution given that it is often more affordable than a room in a retirement home. Of course, the type of care required must be considered. Even if it is possible to receive a variety of home care services, they aren’t always covered by health insurance.

 

Evaluating your options

There are a few questions you should ask if you plan to choose a home care service. The following questions may help you make the right decisions for your family and the person in need.

What support can you count on?  

Can you count on family, friends, or neighbours, and how much are they willing to be involved? Are there people you know who can help with daily tasks like cleaning, running errands, or simply providing respite to the caregiver?

Are you able to afford home care?

Whether it is for the present or the future, good financial planning is necessary if you expect to use home care provided by different organizations or agencies at some point. It would be an excellent idea to set up a financial plan now to avoid last-minute surprises. A first step is to contact your health authority to find out about the different options available in your area.

What are the medical needs of your loved ones? 

Do your family members have chronic medical conditions that will deteriorate with time? This is something to consider when assessing options and your budget. It is important to take into account future mobility, health and other complications in order to address them or adapt more easily.

 

The right home care services for your condition

Once you have determined your needs, it is time to evaluate which services your loved one will need to maintain their independence and autonomy. It is time to find providers of this type of service. Talk to friends and family to find out what organizations and agencies provide home care. Often the best references come from people you know.

Any organization that deals with aging, gerontology specialists, and geriatric care managers are good resources to start your research. When it comes to home health care, your doctor will also be able to provide advice, references and recommendations based on your needs. Insurance providers sometimes cover part of the costs of a home care service if it is needed because of a particular health condition.

 

Comprehensive home service agencies vs. independent providers

Home care agencies offer a variety of options, from assistance with daily living to full nursing services. They can of course be more expensive, but consider the fact that their hiring criteria are much more rigourous and detailed. It goes without saying that that can provide peace of mind as well as comfort when you receive home care. In most cases, agencies require that caregivers be certified according to the standards of their professions. In addition, if the person who was to provide your services is unavailable, the home care agency will usually send someone else with the same qualifications to take care of you.

Independent providers are often less expensive. However, it is up to you take the steps to carefully select your employee. You will also need to ensure they have the expertise and qualifications needed to provide you with quality care. It is a good idea to verify the person’s identity and criminal record. The other disadvantage is that it will be very difficult to find someone to fill in if your employee is unable to work at some point.

Home care can be a viable option to help your loved ones remain in their own home with peace of mind. Whether you choose home care or residential care for seniors, both options have a financial cost that needs to be considered. Every situation is different and needs vary for each individual. It is therefore important to gather information as soon as possible on what resources are available and their costs in order to make the right choice for your family.