It’s a common question I hear….is home care going to be the best choice for my parent or my grandparent or my spouse?
Although a 2009 AARP article reports that a vast majority (89%) of Americans age 50+ prefer to remain in their own homes as long as they can, it’s never easy to navigate the daunting choices of long-term care.
Here are a few questions to consider when looking at home care as a long-term care option:
- What is the culture of the care recipient? Does that culture value family and elders, and will that culture rally around the frail person to assist with care needs?
- What is the financial situation of the care recipient? Can he or she afford to pay out of pocket for care? Is there a family member or friend who might want to assume the responsibility for paying for care at home?
- What are the formal and informal support systems of the care recipient?
- What is the level of care needed now and what is the prognosis for future care needs?
- What is the mental status of the care recipient? (It is easier to care for an alert but frail person at home than it is to care for a cognitively impaired but physically active person.)
- Can the frail person get up and down out of a chair or bed? (Needing assistance in toileting means that care is needed constantly and will be charged hourly, 24/7. However, if the person is able to get out of a chair or bed, then the care needed is sporadic and home care should be considered first.)
Considering these questions will give you a head start in determining whether home care can be a viable solution for your situation; however, it’s usually best to also consult a professional for further advice. You can also check out the links on this page for more information.