When it comes to choosing between living in one’s home or a care center, home care for seniors wins hands down. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), about 9 in 10 of all people aged 65 and above prefer to stay at home.
Although most families in West Hollywood would want to their old relatives to age in home, there are some key facts that you need to know before opting for the in-home care option for your senior relative in West Hollywood. In order to give your elderly loved one the best care possible, you will have to do some research beforehand
The cost of home care and maintenance
Consider the costs associated with in-home care and plan appropriately. Determine whether your relative will require a medical or non-medical caregiver and whether you will employ them directly or use a referral agency. Make sure you have all the current costs and project them in the future as they may change in time. Also, have a plan B, just in case additional care is needed. It’s also important to consider the costs that Medicare can take on for you.
The other major cost involves the maintenance of the house itself. A study on housing costs conducted by Boston College showed that maintenance, utilities, and taxes made up to 30 percent of all expenses of the cost of accommodation spent by couples between ages 65 and 74. By this time the elderly person will have retired from their regular job, and perhaps there would be no more sources of income. They will also be doing increasingly less of what they used to do by themselves in the home to cut costs, such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and other household chores. Can you afford these costs? Make an informed decision.
Modify your house to accommodate for the new conditions and needs
As age advances and life slows down, many of the activities that used to be done easily now become heavy chores that require assistance. Something as easy as climbing the stairs or opening the freezer door can be a massive task.
Make the changes that will make it easy and safe for your relative to continue enjoying the comfort of their home. For example, if your relative’s movement is constrained and they have to use a wheelchair, widen the doorways and hallways. Also, consider enabling your relative to live on the first floor entirely so that they don’t have to use the stairs regularly.
You can also enhance the senior care you provide to your loved ones by making doors and windows operate electronically.
Access to health care facilities
How accessible is your relative’s home to health care facilities? As we age, the need for health care increases. At times, emergencies may occur, and your relative may need to be rushed to hospital. The home should ideally be close to high-quality health services.
Various resources are available in West Hollywood on how to help you improve the quality of in-home care for your elderly loved ones. Keep yourself up to date with the current trends. Join support groups and associations that have an interest in senior care.
When in-home care is not an option
Watch out for telltale signs to determine the point at which your loved one cannot stay at home even when home care is available. When it becomes evident that your loved one is unable to take care of themselves, requiring 24/7 help with their daily activities and some medical help, a nursing home would be a viable option for you if you can’t afford 24/7 caregiver help in the home.
If they lose track of time, fail to remember close family members and forget to take their medication, then they could be having Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, which will demand that you take them to a medical facility for closer monitoring. Apart from declining mental awareness, signs of failing health should also prompt you into action.
The support and personal touch provided by the family members are important in determining how long the senior person will stay in the home. Whenever they begin feeling unwanted or neglected, it is advisable to consider the alternatives. There are many senior care facilities in West Hollywood that you can take your loved one to.
The takeaway point is: when the senior cannot be kept reasonably safe, clean, fed and medicated in their home, consider nursing care services.