As your family members grow and age, you may find that it's too difficult to continue caring for them at home. Your job schedule, personal relationships, or other obligations may prohibit you from offering round-the-clock care for your loved one. Furthermore, unforeseen health problems, surgical complications, and natural age progression can all contribute to serious problems for senior citizens. Fortunately, home care services can help increase the quality of life of your loved one. If you've been thinking about the difference between live-in care and 24-hour care, you aren't alone. Many adults wonder how at-home care can benefit their loved ones. The truth is that an in-home caregiver can offer many benefits to elderly family members who need regular care. If you've been considering hiring someone to help with your family member, there are a few things you need to know.
First off, make sure you talk with your family member about your plans to hire additional assistance for their life. No one wants to be caught off guard with serious life changes, including older residents. If you've been considering bringing someone in to help your loved one with their regular activities, including bathing and dressing, talk with them about what this means. Make sure you frame this in a positive way. It's wonderful to know that someone will be able to come to help your loved one to continue to live a normal life, so make sure you share this with them. Don't ignore them or their feelings, and don't avoid telling them about your plans. Instead, gently introduce the idea that your family needs a little more help and that the right caregiver can help simplify your lives.
It's also important to know what kind of care your loved one needs. If you have a relative who is struggling with physical tasks, an in-home caregiver can help them with cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Their caregiver can offer assistance for moving around the house, getting out of bed, and bathing. These are tasks that your loved one may want to continue to do themselves; however, their physical condition may inhibit them from moving as freely as they once could. Make sure you know what kind of care you want so you can find the best caregiver possible.
Remember that no two people are entirely alike. The caregivers you choose understand that your loved one may have specific and unique needs. They'll work with you to create a care plan that is tailored perfectly to your loved one. For example, if your family member struggles to remember to take their medication or can't remember which dosage they need to take, their caregiver can help them. If your family member wants to go on daily walks and is physically able to, their caregiver can help work this into their daily routine.
What is the difference between live-in care and 24-hour care?
So what is the difference between live-in care and 24-hour care? One of the most important things to remember is that the type of care your family member requires may be different than someone else's. Each person has unique needs, so the type of care they receive will vary. Generally speaking, live-in care ensures that a caregiver is not only on-site but that they physically reside on-site, as well. This type of care is generally utilized for a loved one who may need a lot of nighttime care or assistance. Comparatively, 24-hour care means that your loved one will always have someone physically present to help, but the caregivers will work in shifts and will not live on-site with your loved one.
If you've been thinking about hiring a caregiver for your loved one, it's time to get started. Call (609) 277-7855 today to speak with one of our team members about how you can begin the process of finding the right caregiver for your family member.
