Choosing the right care for your family
CHOOSING THE type of care for an elderly person can be a difficult decision, as it has to be a delicate balance between what is best for the senior citizen, and what circumstances will allow.
Many people who get to a stage in life where they need care will often still want to live as independently as possible and staying at home is still an option for many. There are now numerous alternatives to those who want to retain their independent living while also recognising that they need some help to maintain that situation. Those options include live-in care from a carer.
Those considering care at home should ask plenty of questions about any agency that is providing care, notably whether they are registered with a state body and whether the carers are directly employed by the agency, what training they have undertaken and how often there will be a change of carer.
Another option is having an elderly relative move in with you. This can put a strain on the family, and the more treatment needed if the person is sick, the bigger the strain on the family.
One of the pros to having an elderly family member move in is that there is little expense for care. You are also able to spend invaluable time with the family member that is unable to care for themselves anymore.
Another option is home health care. This is a wonderful way to help the elderly in their own environment, although often the visit times are short and irregular.
Many times they can help with cooking well balanced meals, cleaning, transporting the elderly person to and from doctor appointments and shopping, and assisting with bathing and dressing.
Private caregivers can also be hired, which provides a more comprehensive service but can be costly.
There are many types of assisted living places available now. Many of these places offer activities, dining, housekeeping, a nurse on call 24/7, security, and their own apartment.
Above all, you will have peace of mind that your elderly relative is being cared for.