When an aging parent needs care, most people are faced with two options: relocate mom or dad to a care facility—usually a nursing home or assisted living facility—or hire an in-home caregiver. The decision is by no means a simple or straightforward one. You have to find the right level of care for your parent, taking into account his or her specific health concerns and personal needs, while simultaneously lessening the burden on yourself and the stress on the entire family. While there are many benefits to choosing in-home care rather than a facility, the following are the primary reasons why many people opt for home-based care for their aging relatives.
Benefit No. 1: It’s Less Stressful on Everyone
Moving is stressful on anyone, but it’s actually even more stressful on the aging population. There is a formal nursing diagnosis called Relocation Stress Syndrome, which refers to patients who experience a large amount of trauma and stress after moving from one environment to another. The experts say that senior citizens are more likely to fall victim to the syndrome, and may experience confusion, depression and agitation after a move. What’s more, new financial burdens and moving preparations—for many, that means selling the house—can contribute to stress.
Additionally, hiring an elderly caregiver can significantly lift the burden from you and your siblings. As much as we hate to admit it, caring for aging parents takes a toll, and it might even contribute to poor physical and mental health on your behalf. You might feel like you have to be there all the time to prevent accidents or emergencies or simply to help your parent complete everyday tasks. Hiring an in-home caregiver who provides focused, one-on-one care lessens the burden on the kids and puts everyone at ease.
Benefit No. 2: There are Serious Cost-Savings
First, the numbers: The average annual cost of in-home care is roughly $22,000, while the average annual cost of a nursing home is about $87,000 for a private room. Many factors go into the high cost of elderly care facilities—the cost of room and board, meals, activities, transportation and others. Of course, in the majority of situations, the price of in-home care doesn’t cover your mortgage or rent or meals. With that being said, most people do find that, in general, life at home is much more affordable than life within a care facility.
Besides the obvious, there are also some oft-overlooked cost savings for those who opt for in-home care. For example, professionals who care for seniors after surgery or trauma can help facilitate more complete, faster healing, which means less medical care down the road. An in-home caregiver can also ensure that your parent closely follows doctor recommendations for medications, diet and exercise, which helps lower risk factors and lifetime medical costs.
Benefit No. 3: It Improves Mental Well-Being
At the end of the day, a good caregiver is one who becomes a part of the family. He or she provides your parent natural socialization and prevents mom or dad from spending long hours alone, which can help support good mental health in old age. As much as we’d all love to be there for our parents every day, it’s usually just not possible with kids, spouses, work and other obligations. The important part is to partner with a good senior care agency to find a caregiver with whom your parent can build a lasting, personal relationship.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, in-home care keeps your parent happy. Most aging adults put a premium on independence: 90 percent of them plan to “age in place,” according to the annual United States of Aging Survey. When you’ve spent your whole life doing everything on your own, and suddenly everyday tasks become difficult, you can start to feel co-dependent. Home-based care reinforces a senior’s ability to live alone, something that many seniors value greatly.
The Bottom Line
While it’s evident that you and your aging parents will reap many benefits when you decide to hire a home-based senior caregiver, the most important thing you can do to support your parent as he or she becomes more dependent is to talk to them. Indeed, the majority of seniors want to stay in their home and maintain their independence, but you shouldn’t assume that the same goes for your relative. Having an open and honest conversation with mom or dad about the right senior care plan is the best place to start.]]>