Choose the Right Care for Your Elderly Loved One

Do you have elderly loved ones who are beginning to have trouble with activities of daily living (ADLs)? Many families in Pennsylvania and Delaware face the challenge of selecting the best caregiving services for their senior parents and they have various options available to them: private home care agencies, retirement homes, nurse visits, moving them into homes with family members, or some combination of these. A private in-home care agency is often the most beneficial choice for numerous reasons.

This important decision should be made by the entire family, if possible, to get the most feedback and to ensure everyone agrees on the course of action. Your elderly relative should be part of this process and be informed of new discussions and decisions.

You should sit down and ask some serious questions about the state of their health and their current ability to care for themselves:

• Are they still generally able to perform day-to-day functions, such as cooking and cleaning? What tasks cause them trouble?
• What health problems are beginning to appear, and how are those affecting their day-to-day lives?
• Are there elements in their home, such as stairs, beginning to pose a physical danger?
• What is the status of their finances? Can they pay for their own care, or will the family need to assist?
• How is their mental state and their memory? Are there signs of deterioration?
• What options are available in your area? Services such as elderly home care or on-call private nurses are unavailable in some areas.

Also, look at your own condition: physically, mentally, and financially. Challenges in this area can dictate some of your options.

Depending on the condition of your loved one, you could have several different options to choose the right care for your loved one.

In many cases, a smaller home without stairs is all a physically-challenged older adult needs to remain self-sufficient. In addition, you and your loved one may agree to find a home located close to family, so help and companionship are more accessible.

This choice is often the preferred option because family members want to be able to take care of everything for their elderly loved ones. Though this option may seem less expensive and more convenient, this full time caregiving can exact significant mental and physical tolls from family caregivers.

Less restrictive than traditional “nursing homes,” these villages function more like gated communities but have specialty services on-call 24/7. However, the expense of this housing option can be prohibitive.

When loved ones have moved beyond being able to care for themselves, family members sometimes choose this fully assisted-care environment.

In home care for elderly loved ones is often a good balance, bringing the level of care needed to allow loved ones to stay in their own homes. Professional home care providers can come to their homes to help manage daily task, take them to doctor visits, and provide companionship. This type of service can also be helpful for family caregivers who still work or need some assistance with their elderly loved ones’ care.

Private in-home care offers personal care services that allow your loved ones to remain in the comfortable and familiar environment of their homes, or in the home of a family member. This type of care can bring immense peace of mind to older adults and their families, relieving them of the stress and worry that often accompany the decision to seek outside care.

Here’s why private in-home care is a great option compared to other types of care:

With private in-home care, the services are tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether they require assistance with daily tasks, medication management, or dementia care, customized care plans are implemented to enhance their quality of life. This personalized approach is a hallmark of in-home caregiving.