According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, over 43 million American adults were in the position of unpaid caregiver in 2015. Today, it’s very common for many adults to find themselves wedged between the two generations. Their parents are aging to the point of needing extra care but their children are still young enough to need their attention and time. If you’re in this group and concerned about how to best help mom or dad enjoy their twilight years while not compromising their safety, you’re not alone. An in-home caregiver can offer you the best option to keep your loved ones in their own home without forcing you to be in two places at once. It takes the stress of trying to run two households off of your shoulders while still allowing your loved ones to maintain the home they love.
Staying at Home – What are the Benefits?
Every senior is different. In some cases, moving to a long term facility or a retirement community might be a good option. But in many cases, seniors prefer to stay in their own home as long as they can, if not permanently. And there are some decided benefits to keeping mom and dad at home:
Comfort.
Their home is the most comfortable place for them. This can be especially important for those with dementia or Alzheimer Disease because routines can bring a sense of comfort to those who suffer from these illnesses.
Affordability.
Hiring an in-home caregiver is often far more affordable than other options.
Morale and Independence.
Staying in their own home allows seniors some measure of control and independence. In-home caregivers can assist with any number of needs but the senior doesn’t feel as much like their rights and ability to make decisions are being taken away.
Family Oriented.
The in-home solution allows your family to be as hands on or hands off as needed. Each family is different, so this solution allows a bit of flexibility, whether you’re a close-knit group or one that doesn’t spend as much time together.
Technology to Look for in Your In-Home Caregiver
A key concern many have with in-home solutions is the level of control and oversight. For those whose parents are at a higher risk for health issues or who need more regular supervision, it can be very worrisome to have them alone for hours out of the day. If you do decide to research an in-home caregiver, look for the ones who offer the best in technological advancements. With today’s technology, there’s no reason that you can’t be fully informed of your parents’ status, no matter how far away you might be.
Some services to look for in your in-home caregiver:
Remote Monitoring for Family Members.
Your provider should be able to give you a method to get real time information on your family member without needing to drive over to see them.
GPS Availability.
Your in-home service should provide real-time information on when providers are present with your loved one.
Communication.
You should be able to communicate with providers at any time, including having some input into their care plan so that you’re always involved in your loved one’s treatment.
If you or your loved one is considering the arrangements for the best possible quality of life in their later years, in-home care might an excellent choice. Remember to consider what the senior wants to do as well as what health risks and benefits are to each possible option. Today’s in-home caregivers can offer great freedom without sacrificing safety and health, which might just be the perfect arrangement for long-term care.