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Originally Posted On: https://bewiseprof.com/live-in-care-for-senior-loved-ones-5-things-to-consider/

Live-in care works to meet the needs of individuals who need extra support due to physical or cognitive limitations. Care can range from assisting with errands to providing round-the-clock attention.

Agencies that provide live-in care can be dependable resources. They quickly address issues when the main caretaker needs a break, is ill, or goes on a holiday. Short-term and long-term care options can give you the freedom to choose the level of care your senior loved ones need. Both options may ease the burden of senior care responsibilities. When considering live-in senior care, here are some points for discussion:

• Seniors Want To Stay At Home

A joint study with the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute revealed essential data for consideration: 

As much as 90% of individuals aged 65 and above ‘want to stay in their home for as long as possible.’ Many of the respondents also believed their current residence is where they would always live. 

Furthermore, aged care is one of the most prominent healthcare services amid the pandemic. Seniors can self-isolate safely at home and control who comes into their homes. Also, a live-in care provider can encourage immunity by supervising proper nutrition and vitamin intake.

• May Reduce Risks To Health

Some risks to senior care can be manageable and preventable. Live-in care can greatly reduce the risk of falls, accidents, and hospitalization. Experienced care providers can also spot senior health symptoms that they shouldn’t ignore. They can assist with proper diet planning, meal preparation, dietary management, and medication management. 

Moreover, care providers can also help get to doctors’ appointments, ensure regular exercise and ongoing therapy. Such level of care is even more critical when dealing with complex health issues.

• Real People Match A One-To-One Care Provider For Your Loved One

Working with a professional care agency team gives you access to a pool of care providers. The team—not computers—will match the care recipient with the right care provider. They have goals in place and will carry out a personalized plan of care. This can include the following:

• Type of care
  • Companionship care: Prevents isolation and loneliness; may also assist with chores, errands, and accomplishing daily routines
  • Personal care or specialist care: For people who need more support or specific care such as:
    • Stroke care
    • Palliative care
    • Parkinson’s disease care
    • Dementia care
    • Multiple Sclerosis care
  • Complex care: Recommended for people who need a high level of care. Increased care can be due to physical incapacity or severe stages of illnesses.
• Duration of care
  • 24-hour live-in care
  • Waking nights or overnight home care
  • Two-to-three care providers (8 to 12-hour shifts) for round-the-clock care 
  • Respite care (one-off, short-notice, regular arrangement)
• Care recipient and care provider agreement
  • Food and accommodation
  • Working and resting hours
  • Payment and offset payment for bills, petrol, etc.
  • Replacement care when provider calls in sick or is absent
• Tasks of the care provider
  • Companionship, conversation
  • Nutrition, exercise, and medication management
  • Taking blood pressure, etc.
  • Help in running errands, bill paying, doing groceries, and shopping
  • Light housework and laundry
  • Assistance with pets
  • Specialized care

In addition, the team may match people based on likes, dislikes, and lifestyle. The personalized plan may focus on goals to improve your senior loved one’s quality of life. Moreover, it should also address the deficits that decrease their quality of life.

• A Real Alternative To Residential, Nursing, and Elderly Care Homes

Several situations can prompt you to search for live-in care. As the sole  income earner for your senior loved one, you may have other responsibilities like work, travel, spouse, and children.

The elderly can also feel overwhelmed by the obligation to take care of themselves or their spouse. It can become especially challenging to care for someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. In such  case, one can opt for live-in care, even couples care. After a stroke, heart attack, or illness, you also have this recourse to recover from home.

Finally, live-in care could help ensure peace of mind and safety, especially when you live far from your elderly mother and father. Live-in care may reduce the stress and anxiety you feel about your parents. Care is even more critical for the elderly who wander from home, get lost, frightened, or confused when alone.

• Cost of Live-In Care For the Elderly

The price range is wide when calculating the costs for live-in care. Every care recipient requires different levels of care, support, and time, among others. 

For the live-in care package, you may need to provide accommodation for the care worker in your home. One financial advantage would be that the local authority won’t account for the value of your home as an asset when you’re seeking funding.

Overall, you may want to work with a care agency team that simplifies payment plans for you. 

Over To You

Live-in care can be a real and wise choice so elderly parents can stay in the comfort of their own homes. At the same time, you can ensure a responsible person sees to the health, safety, and well-being of your elderly loved ones. If you feel this choice is best for your family, you can begin working with a care agency team to create a personalized plan and match a caregiver that best fits your needs and budget.