In-Home care for senior citizens has both pros and cons. When evaluating additional levels of care for your loved one and the possibility of aging in place, it’s important to have all the information.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of at home care for seniors.
Pros of Home Care for Senior Citizens
Familiar Environment
Aging individuals often feel more comfortable and secure in their own homes. Services at home allow them to remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by their belongings, memories, and loved ones.
Independence and Control
Home care provides seniors with the opportunity to maintain their independence and control over their daily lives. They can make decisions regarding their routines, activities, and schedules, which promotes a sense of autonomy and dignity.
Personalized Care
When one-on-one care is provided in the home, caregivers can provide a more personalized experience. This individualized care enables tailored assistance, addressing specific needs, preferences, and challenges faced by the senior, resulting in a more focused and pleasing experience. The home care process begins with a personalized care plan created by a Registered Nurse. Our senior care professionals reference the care plan constantly throughout their shifts, ensuring that we’re providing the exact care that your loved one requires.
Receiving care in familiar surrounding tends to make the process feel less “medical” and more “familial”. Often, seniors and family members alike are uncomfortable with personal hygiene assistance. Having a professional care assist with intimate personal care is less stressful and clinical-feeling when done in your own bathroom. It’s well documented that, in terms of home care, elderly clients feel more safe and comfortable in the familiar setting of their own home.
Living “at home” where the older person has lived for a long time and where he or she knows exactly where things are placed was described as one of the central aspects that constituted their experience of feeling safe.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7729533/
Companionship
Home care can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation often experienced by seniors. Caregivers offer senior companionship and emotional support, engaging in conversations, participating in activities, and providing social interaction, which can have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being.
Cost-Effective
In certain cases, having a caregiver come into your home can be more cost-effective than other alternatives such as assisted living or nursing homes. The costs associated with home care can vary depending on the level of assistance needed, but it may be more affordable compared to full-time residential care.
Cons of Home Care for Senior Citizens
Limited Medical Care
While elderly home care providers can assist with various activities of daily living, they may not be equipped to handle complex medical situations. Seniors with advanced medical needs may require specialized medical care that can only be provided in a hospital or nursing facility. For individuals who have fewer complex medical concerns, look for senior home care providers that offer RN care coordination as well as senior caregivers that are licensed and certified nursing assistants. These providers can keep an eye on basic vitals and know when to seek medical assistance.
Limited Availability
Finding reliable and available senior home care providers can be challenging, particularly in areas with a shortage of caregivers. This can result in limited options or waiting lists, which may delay the start of in-home care services for seniors. When interviewing senior home care providers, ask how many caregivers they have on staff and if they have ever experienced a shortage.
Caregiver Compatibility
Seniors may have different preferences and personalities. It can take time to find the right senior caregiver who is compatible and can establish a good rapport with the senior. The process of finding a suitable caregiver involves trial and error, and initial mismatches can lead to disruptions in care. Working with a reputable senior care service can save you time. When interviewing, the service should get to know everything about your loved one in need of care. This should include medical & non-medical needs, preferences, likes, dislikes, hobbies, personality, schedule. More information makes it easier to provide you with a caregiver that complements that care recipient’s needs and personality.
Home Safety Concerns
Safety can be a concern when providing care at home. Based on the living environment as well as the senior’s physical and cognitive abilities, there may be potential hazards or risks. Home modifications or adaptations may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the senior. Ask your senior home care provider if they offer home visits to gauge the safety and recommend modifications to the home.
Potential Social Isolation
While at-home care services can provide companionship care, it may not offer the same level of social engagement and activities as an assisted living facility or community setting. Seniors who are primarily homebound may experience reduced opportunities for social interaction and engagement with peers.
It’s important to note that the pros and cons of home care can vary depending on the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances. We recommend you carefully evaluate the specific situation and explore available options to make an informed decision on in-home senior care.