When your loved ones reach a certain age, they might need extra care. This is more true if they have other medical conditions that require attention. Several medical conditions such as a stroke or dementia may require special attention from a nurse or caregivers according to Galaxy Home Care NY. Also, many people often make the difficult decision of sending a loved one to a care home.
It may feel as if the care options are limited to homes for the elderly. Making this decision can be difficult for many. Having another option could be comforting. Aside from residential care, you may find other alternatives. One of the best options is live-in home care in Nassau County. So instead of sending a loved one away to a care home, they may get to stay at home and receive all the necessary help. So what other options exist for elderly people who need assistance?
Professional care options
Some conditions require a high level of care that only trained professionals can provide. Before the only option was to send a loved one to a care home. Sending a family member to a care home is a daunting decision.
While you may speak to professionals, they will usually direct you towards care homes. This can make you feel hopeless but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some options for a family member who needs special care.
1. Nursing home
Nursing homes are run by nurses and trained care assistants. While nurses prepare care plans, the assistants are the ones who provide most of the support. The level of training ranges for care assistants.
Many have training in vocational health or social care programs. Nurses are available to help with acute needs and staff try to create a sense of community through daily activities.
However, you have no control over the possessions of your loved ones. If you don’t get funding, it may be expensive to pay for a nursing home. However, you can use insurance and apply for special medical plans. Also, there is not much variety in the lifestyle which may make it difficult for residents to cope.
2. Residential care home
Care homes are an option for elderly people who can’t live alone. Social workers can perform an assignment on an individual before recommending a care home. It is the first option in such cases because it could also be cheaper.
A care home is designed to assist an elderly person, especially if there is an emergency case. The amenities available vary for different homes. But they have private bedrooms and bathrooms.
Staff plans out group activities to make a care home comfortable for residents. You can find welcoming communities where you can connect with new friends. Residential care homes provide security and help should any emergencies occur. However, residents have no sense of independence.
3. Assisted living
With assisted living, an individual maintains a level of independence. Help is available for some tasks such as:
- taking medications,
- providing meals,
- helping with washing, etc.
Unlike home care which has communal areas, assisted living provides residents with flats. Most of the agencies are available to help with any special needs around the clock. Residents have activities daily that aim to provide a sense of community. Because there is a need for supporting staff 24/7, this option tends to be expensive.
Also, it is not a good option if a loved one has complex conditions. Most areas do not provide assisted living, so it might mean a loved one being very far from you.
4. Home care
In-home care, a loved one will get regular visits from a caretaker. The time of visits is set according to what an individual needs. The duration also varies on needs. Sometimes a person will get daily short visits. In other cases, it may be 2-4 visits weekly.
The caregiver takes care of several people during the day. That means time to do tasks like have meals or go to bed is limited. If a resident needs extra attention then the caregiver may take longer to reach your loved one.
Another downside of home care is that different caregivers can visit a loved one. This can be very distressing for many elderly people. Social welfare may provide financial assistance after a needs assessment. Otherwise, you need to take care of all the costs.
5. Live-in homecare
Live-in homecare is gaining popularity for several reasons. Unlike all the other options, a loved one gets to stay home. A caregiver will move into your home to provide all the help you need. This includes tasks such as:
- washing,
- dressing,
- feeding,
- taking medication,
- helping to move around, walk, etc.
It provides support to help elderly people live comfortably in their own homes. Live-in Homecare works on a rotation basis. A carer works for 4 weeks and is replaced by a new one after that period.
Most people do not consider this option due to the assumption that it is expensive. This is simply a misconception. What people consider as being too expensive is a result of living elsewhere.
For instance, if you have to rent a new place then the costs would be high. But for live-in homecare, an elderly person doesn’t have to leave their home. The costs are similar to residential home care. You may get additional funding from social services during means testing. The only disadvantage of live-in home care is that you live with a stranger.
Final thoughts
When making a decision, remember that it is personal. There is no wrong or right decision. What you choose depends on what your loved one needs and what would be comfortable for them. Always make a detailed search before coming up with a decision. For instance, you can make a list of pros and cons for each option.
While options may look favorable on paper, do a local search. It gives you a better idea of what to expect whether it is a care home or live-in homecare. Live-in homecare is a great option for anyone who wants a loved one with special needs at home. There is a carer who provides help with daily tasks in the comfort of your home.
