While many seniors have opted to move into some form of senior housing, more and more are also choosing to stay where they are most comfortable and happiest—their very own homes. Over the years, many are considering aging at home with the assistance of in-home care professionals as the best approach.
Home Care vs. Other Alternatives: Choosing the Best Option for You
Since every person’s situation and circumstances are unique, choosing between home care and other options is easier said than done. To help you determine the best option, it would be best to consider the following scenarios as a guide.
Scenario #01
You are healthy and living independently.
If you are independent and healthy but can use some help with the household chores, home care is your best option. Also known as companion care, this is hands down the best option given the circumstances above. Come to think of it, if you are doing just fine at home, living someplace else is not necessary.
Staying at home also comes with several peerless benefits that are hard to miss. For starters, if your loved ones and friends live far away, an in-home caregiver can provide them with updates about your whereabouts. Your loved ones are also assured you are taken care of since you are not alone.
Scenario #02
You have health challenges, and you live alone.
Understandably, if you are independent and healthy, you have more options than those with health and physical challenges. If you belong to the latter, your best option is an assisted living facility.
If you find living in assisted facility isolating and prefer staying at home, it is reassuring that many home care companies can provide transportation so you can attend medical appointments and attend social events so you won’t feel as lonely.
Scenario #03
You have a significant other with different care needs, but you would like to stay together.
It’s not unusual for a significant other to have needs that are different from yours. Understandably, staying in a nursing home is not recommended if you don’t need nursing care. The same principle is true even if you have a significant other who does.
To meet halfway, home care is an option you can look into. Having an onsite caregiver can help ensure your significant other gets the necessary care they need.
If your spouse needs round-the-clock care or supervision, a caregiver can help warrant you get to stay at home (and together) in a surrounding you are both comfortable and familiar with.
Scenario #04
You have serious health issues.
If you have serious health conditions that might require institutionalization, staying in an assisted living facility might be best for you. If you have Alzheimer’s or dementia, living in a specialized memory care facility might be your best recourse.
Fortunately, most home care companies offer special services for those with conditions like Alzheimer’s. In similar cases, staying in familiar surroundings makes it easy for your friends and family to connect with you.
Final Thought
Understandably, choosing between home care and other living arrangements can be tricky for many seniors and their loved ones. That said, it should be something you should put a lot of thought into. Sit down with your loved ones and consider all your unique circumstances so you can pick the option that’s best for you.
Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services is a leading provider for Senior Care and Senior Home Care services throughout the nation. We make life a little easier for you or a loved one by providing services in the home that include: companionship, light housekeeping, cooking, gardening, transportation assistance, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, assistance with daily errands, activities and more. Our senior home care services allow elderly adults the opportunity to continue living an independent life in their own home without the need to move.
Call or text Seniors Helping Seniors® Chicago Metro at 312-526-3666 to start service or ask questions.
Article contributed by Sarah Keller from atozhomecare.net