In today’s society, much of the elderly population is choosing not to go into a nursing home or an assisted living facility once they grow older. Instead, many seniors are opting to stay in their own homes and hire caregivers. Caregivers come with a variety of skills and can help your loved ones care for themselves both personally and medically. Caregivers can run errands, prep meals, finish laundry, or provide a variety of medical care to your loved ones. They also can come to your loved one’s homes as frequently as needed. Therefore, if your loved one desires to stay home as they grow older, they may be easily able to do so with the help of a caregiver, no matter what their medical issues may be. If you or your family is leery of home care, then perhaps it may be due to the many misconceptions that surround the idea of home health care. Keep reading to learn about the myths and misconceptions surrounding home health care so that you and your loved ones can make the right decision for your elderly loved ones.

Home care is only for the very ill

Your elderly loved one does not have to be sick or recovering from an injury or operation to receive home care. Home care typically covers two different types of care. The first is home health care that is provided by medical professionals such as nurses who can take care of your loved one’s medical needs. Home health care may be needed for various types of therapies as well. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services can all be given through home health care. The second type of home care is non-medical home care. Non-medical home care is provided by professional caregivers. These workers do not have to be certified medically and sometimes may even be a family friend. Non-medical care can provide your loved one with personal care and companionship. It may provide your loved one with help with their errands, laundry, house work, cooking and personal care. Some seniors may benefit from both types of home care and both types can usually be provided by the same home care agencies.

Home care is too expensive

Many families are intimidated by the costs of home care. They believe that it may be far too expensive and not very convenient. In reality, home health care is one of the most affordable options for health care for your loved ones. Home health care is usually far more affordable than a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Unless your loved one needs care twenty-four hours per day, then it may be extremely affordable. Most seniors only require a few hours of care per day or per week. With home health care caregivers, you only have to pay for the amount of care that your loved one receives. With a nursing home, you must pay for their room and board along with all of their care. If your loved one simply needs a few hours of care per day or week then home health care may be the best financial option for your family.

Your loved one will not have any say in who comes into their home

Many people believe that if they hire a caregiver from a company, then they will have no choice in who visits their home whenever they need care. In actuality, this is completely false. Most of the caregiving companies offer their clients the ability to meet different caregivers the first few weeks of their care. Then, your loved one can choose the caregivers they like the best in order to ensure that they always have control over who comes into their home. Your loved one and your family can also relax in knowing that caregiving agencies should conduct background checks on all of their caregivers and provide liability insurance for their caregivers.

Home care will take away your loved one’s independence

Many seniors believe that if they give in to their family’s pleas to get a caregiver then they will lose their independence. However, the opposite is actually true. Elderly patients who stay home by themselves are at a greater risk of falling and injuring themselves than seniors who do have caregivers or family members staying with them. If your loved one does live by themselves then remind them that they may be putting themselves at risk for falling. If they fall, then they may lose their independence for a short while until they fully heal. With a caregiver, they can obtain companionship and get help with their daily activities such as running errands, cooking meals and doing housework.

All caregiving services are the same

Each caregiving agency is different and some may be more in tune to your loved one’s needs and desires than others. When looking for a caregiving agency, it is essential that you and your loved one get information on many different agencies in their local community. Each agency will have different rates, caregivers and different policies that may affect your loved one’s care. Choose the agency that best fits your elderly loved ones needs. Set up an in-home care assessment meet with the company’s representative, discuss all of your elderly loved ones needs so they will be able to assign the right caregiver that your loved one will enjoy having at their home.

Staying at home in your elderly years is not a bad idea, and in today’s society, up to 90 percent of seniors are opting to stay in their own homes. If your loved one decides to stay in their own home during their twilight years then they may need a caregiver to help them get through their daily or weekly routines. Choosing a caregiver is a long process that may involve a lot of research. If your family or your loved one is leery about getting a caregiver, then talk to them about these myths and misconceptions in order to help them realize that getting a caregiver is an easy, convenient way to allow your loved one to stay in the comfort of their own home in their later years.

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