Home is where the heart is; it’s a popular saying for good reason. As more and more Americans reach an age where care is needed, the majority note that they would prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible, rather than move into a nursing home. But how do you decide whether or not in-home care is the right choice for your loved one? Advanced Home Health Care, providers of home care services Birmingham and the surrounding area depend on, have prepared five questions that all families should ask when faced with the decision to either keep their senior loved ones at home or help them make the move to an assisted living facility or nursing home:
- Is the senior able to call for assistance in an emergency situation or is total supervision and assistance needed? Being able to use the phone to call for help is essential for seniors who are living on their own. If the senior cannot call for assistance, a live-in caregiver may be ideal.
- Can the senior 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.
- Is the senior able to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming and eating without assistance or with minimal assistance, or is total assistance in all areas needed?
- Is the senior able to socialize and enjoy recreation or does the senior need an escort and encouragement to attend any activities?
- What is the mental status of the senior? It is far easier to care for an alert and mentally sharp but physically frail senior at home than it is to care for a cognitively impaired but physically active senior.
Making the decision to sell a loved one’s home and move him or her into a facility is a life-changing decision, and may not be necessary with the dedicated care and service that professional home care agencies, like Advanced Home Health Care, can provide. It’s important for your family to perform a complete assessment of the senior’s medical conditions and prognosis, formal and informal support systems available for assistance, financial ability for care, mental status and family customs prior to making any formal recommendation for long-term care that involves a move away from home.
Advanced Home Health Care’s nurses can offer valuable home health resources and help your family decide whether or not in-home care is right for your loved one. Contact us at 800-791-7785 for more information about our home care services Birmingham and the surrounding area trust.
