When you are looking to hire a caregiver for your older loved one, there are a few options that may be available to them. While you may not be open to nursing home care, several options are less fully involved than that. For many families, early care for elders will either begin with in-home care or a transition to an assisted living facility.
What is In-Home Care?
In-home care is a form of elder care where a trained specialist comes to the home of the individual. A certified Home Health Aide (HHA) provides assistance and companionship to the individual in the comfort of their own home. They help with care needs like housekeeping, medication reminders, exercise assistance, hygiene care, meal preparation, and more. The individual is allowed to come and go as they please, and their aide may travel with them to family visits, doctor appointments, and more. Care services can be more individualized and flexible to the needs of the individual and their family.
What is Assisted Living?
An assisted living facility is a building that provides apartment rooms to elderly or disabled residents. These rooms are generally set up to provide easy access for walkers or wheelchairs. The facility will usually have staff to provide basic care as needed. Food preparation is usually provided in a cafeteria or room delivery setting. Most facilities do not let residents leave without being signed out by a family member, except for transport to doctors’ appointments or facility-run day trips. Care is provided by a rotating staff through structured schedules.
Independence for Older Adults
Generally, elders who care about their independence will prefer in-home care. While assisted living facilities offer more staff, the independence of the individual is much more limited.
Personalized vs General Care
Overall, assisted living facilities excel in structured care and community for the elderly in the facility. But for families who want to personalize the care their loved one receives, in-home care is a great option. In-home care is personalized to the needs of your loved one. Your loved one’s HHA can also work with your family to adjust the care schedule around your family. This helps you and your family create a care plan that fits the needs of your whole family unit.
Safe Harbor Home Health Care for Your Loved One
Safe Harbor provides certified Home Health Aides for elderly and disabled individuals. Our team helps you and your loved one find the right care plan to fit their unique needs. Our aides specialize in providing the care and assistance elders need to live productive, healthy, and independent lives in their advanced age.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
