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When parents and loved ones tend to become older, their safety and overall well-being could become your primary concern. For most people, memories fail with age. It could affect how well you look after yourself. It could be forgetfulness to take daily medicines, having trouble getting out of bed, or falling in the night. Rest assured that the condition could be relatively scary and upsetting for a grown-up child to see his parents struggle in their old age. However, it has been deemed of great importance to be aware of their extra special needs.
If you believe that your parents require additional care or help, you should look for a caregiver. A home care worker to round-the-clock residential care would be a great option for your parents. Find below a few pros and cons of a caregiver job to help you make an informed decision.
Home Care
For the elderly, who can do most of his or her routine jobs independently, but require additional assistance for cleaning, cooking, housework, or other home chores, consider looking for a home caregiver. Several organizations would offer a wide range of support services for you to choose from and provide your parents with a reliable caregiver.
Pros of Using Home Care Services
Let us delve into some essential benefits of using home care services.
- Caregivers would visit regularly to help you with everything ranging from bathing to cleaning, cooking, purchasing groceries, and taking your parents to a doctor.
- Individuals could remain in their homes and maintain a degree of independence that could be important for most people.
- If you prefer home comfort, rest assured to make the most of home care, which is a superb intermediary option. Residential care could be more overwhelming.
- Home care ensures that friends and family could come over at any time. They are not restricted by visitation hours that could be important for the overall maintenance of preventing loneliness and overall mental wellbeing.
Most elderly remain in the comfort of their home and does not receive round the clock care. A home caregiver would be an affordable option.
Cons of Using Home Care Services
Apart from the pros, there are some cons associated with home care services.
- Despite most home care might appear cheaper on the surface, the home would require fitting with ramps, chairlifts, and railings that could become relatively expensive and difficult to organize.
- A majority of home care agencies change weekly. It could be relatively unsettling for the elderly as well as their families. If you opt for home care, ensure all financial options are discussed thoroughly and everyone is happy with it.
- For the social elderly, home care may not offer social side as offered by sheltered housing or residential care.
Most elderly may not trust external support. It could make them feel susceptible and alone. It would be important to talk to the elderly about their concerns and worries along with considering if the home caregiver is the right option for them.
