Author: Anabel Gonzalez

This guide is long overdue.  I will admit that before working for a home care agency I had zero knowledge of what home care was.  I was a typical millennial that they describe.  It didn’t affect me or at least…I thought it wouldn’t.  Then I started to notice that one of my loved ones had someone visit her and provide her with care.  It hit me then that it was closer to my life than I thought possible.

I had no idea it even existed.  If you’re like me, your main focus was getting through your finals, working even after hours, and trying to find your place in life. 

Now that you’ve graduated and you have a little more time to spend with your parents.  You start to realize that they aren’t as young as they used to be.  The ones who spent their entire lives caring for you…may need your care and you might not be able to give them the attention they need because of everything else in your life.

Time passes by.  The clock moves forward for everyone.  Families grow larger and older too.  Our loved ones, who provided us with the nurture and care that helped us grow into the wonderful people we are today, have grown older too.  You start to realize shifts and changes in their behavior.  They are the parents we have idolized our entire lives, but as we all know, nothing lasts forever and sometimes they need the extra care that they deserve. 

I promise.  It’s not all gloomy!

If you haven’t encountered a situation like this, the options can be overwhelming and the choices not as simple.  With the experience that I have gained and the information I have gathered, I decided to write this guide for people being introduced to the concept of home care.

…And like most people forget…Millennials and Baby Boomers are not the only groups we are discussing today.  I did not forget about you Gen-Xers! 

What this guide will cover:

• Why Home Care
• Home Care Affordability
• Recognizing the Signs of Needing a Caregiver
• Finding a Caregiver
• What is a Live-In Caregiver?
• What is the Difference Between Live-In Elderly Care Versus Hourly Care?
• Who Requires Live-In?

Why Home Care?

Time passes by and sometimes we forget that our formidable parents are aging.  I am a millennial, and I have to tell you that I never started thinking about home care until I hit the age of thirty when I realized that my parents may need help around the house.  I was worried about their safety and their well-being.  I know I am not the only one.  Your time is important, yet your family is too!  As a full-time employee, there are times where I will work forty plus hours a week.

Home Care Is Affordable and a Safe Option on a Tight Budget

They do the work for you. Since we grew up during the recession, we understand the need to save and spend money wisely.  Home care is an affordable option.  It is more affordable than a nursing home, and it is better quality too.  Furthermore, in most instances, you will not need to leave the comfort of your home to schedule an appointment. 

Nursing Home Care is on Average $85,000 per Year 

This is no joke!  I almost choked when I saw the amount.  I will probably never make that annual salary in my lifetime, and if you’re like me, you want to give your parents the best.  In all seriousness, there are better options out there that won’t break the bank and break your parents’ spirits too.

The best home care agencies provide free consultations where an expert comes to your home and provides you with additional information. Home care agencies can send a caregiver within 24-hours of requesting services.   It is a safe option if you are on a budget.

A certified home health aide or a caregiver can cut the cost especially with affordable plans that some agencies offer as part of their private pay considerations.  Additionally, the benefits are better because the loved ones can live in the comfort of their home.

Recognize the Signs of Needing a Caregiver

First, it is important to know what a caregiver is. A caregiver is an individual who regularly looks after a sick, elderly, or disabled person. Caregivers can be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers, or those from religious affiliations. This care can be given at home, in a hospital or other health care settings. It can be difficult to accept the fact that a loved one, or possibly you, need assistance. It is important to acknowledge the signs to protect you and those you love. Caregivers make life more manageable, enjoyable, and healthy.

1. Forgetfulness
2. Loneliness/Depression
3. Medical Issues

Find a Caregiver.

There are many options in seeking a caregiver for you or your loved one. The first step is deciding whether home care or a living facility is the best option for your needs. There are many options for all types of care. any older adults prefer home care to nursing homes because of the familiarity of their home and the comfort of individualized care. This care is often necessary after hospitalizations and can reduce the patients’ risk of re-hospitalization. The Certified Home Health Aides can monitor preexisting and potential health problems. The quality of care delivered in this profession is of the utmost importance. It is a care that makes a deep impact on the patient and the patients’ families.

What Is a Live-In Caregiver?

Caregivers can provide an alternative to assisted living or nursing homes.  Before you decide to search for a live-in home care agency, here are some important details you should know.   Live-in elder care is a 24-hour service that focuses on caring for the elderly in their home.  Seniors or individuals who need around-the-block assistance from a caregiver, hiring a live-in home health aide through a home care agency is a safer option because of the agreement and the peace of mind you can have without worrying about creating an agreement.  

The estimated amount for a Live-In Home Care service is as low as $1000 to $5,000 per month versus the $5,000 to $10,000 per month.  This can be an issue especially if your family lives on a budget.  The wide-range price for home care agencies depends on the geographic location, but on a general basis, the cost of a live-in home health aide is less expensive in comparison to assisted live-ins. 

Live in-home care provides a one-on-one approach.  It is why it is the preferred method of care.

What is the Difference Between Live-In Elderly Care Versus Hourly Care?

Hourly care is usually a minimum of three to four hours per visit.  Agencies will begin services after an initial consultation.  In addition, some agencies will send coordinators or nurses to ensure that the patient is receiving the plan of care necessary for them to be well.  Additionally, hourly care is usually fewer hours per week.  Live-ins require that someone be with the patient at all times. The biggest advantage of having live-in home health care is that the number of caregivers is significantly reduced.  This provides a consistent schedule of care for your loved ones.

Who Requires Live-In Care?

• Usually, patients who have the following needs will require live-in care:
• Hospital discharge patients
• Switching from visiting care to live-in care
• Changing care companies
• Preventing falls
• Caring for couples
• Patients who need bathing and dressing assistance
• Companionship
• Exercise
• Grocery shopping and/or laundry
• Light House Keeping
• Medication reminders
• Oral and personal hygiene
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Transportation

The reality is we want the best for our families.  If we want the best for our families, you should consider home care.  It will save your family money and your loved ones won’t regret the decision.