In-home care enables senior citizens to age in place by receiving assisted living services while living safely in their homes. One may require in-home care due to aging needs, special needs, and health complications. In such cases, professional caregivers such as aides, nurses, and therapists offer short-term and long-term in-home care services. Typically, in-home care may include support in physical activities like dressing, bathing, cooking, laundry, and cleaning. Again, home care services may consist of nursing care and therapy for people with medical needs. So, is in-home care beneficial?
Dignity
The benefit of in-home care is that it lets individuals age with dignity. The level of privacy differs between home care and senior living facilities. Typically, in an aging facility, one has to give up their independence to live in a shared space. For instance, one may have to share bathing, sleeping, and living spaces. More so, you will have to deal with different caregivers, which may add to your discomfort. When you opt for in-home care, you can continue enjoying the privacy of your home. And you get to work with a consistent caregiver whom you can trust. This sense of freedom helps to maintain a sense of dignified living.
Safety
Another critical benefit of in-home care is safety. A personal home is always the best source of refuge. However, aging comes with challenges such as reduced mobility and vision. As a result, one becomes more vulnerable to accidents, especially falls. Proponents of assisted living facilities argue that they provide more safety due to structural adjustment. While this claim is technically correct, it makes more sense to have adjustments made in your home. In this way, you get to live in a familiar environment where you can anticipate your moves and reduce the risk of surprise falls.
Cost-Effective
In comparison to institutionalized care, in-home care is relatively cheaper. Typically, assisted living services in an institution come with extra costs. For instance, one has to pay for the cost of accommodation and meal plans in an assisted living facility. In addition, moving into an independent living apartment means you have to cover the new housing cost. However, in-home care allows you to continue living in your home and still access adequate assisted living services. In this way, you can cut the cost of care to professional caregivers' service fees. What's more, one can engage home care service providers on an as-needed basis to further reduce the costs.
Freedom
In-home care enhances personal and family freedom. When you relocate to a senior living facility, you have to relinquish most of your privileges. For instance, you have to follow the meals, sleeping, and other activity scheduled times. Following rules may be a difficult adjustment for those who prefer the freedom of choice. In contrast, home care allows you to continue living by your rules. And your family has the freedom to visit you at their convenient time. In addition, you can live with your family, who have the option of respite services if they need a break.
In-home care services let you age in place in a dignified and familiar environment. Enjoy a wide range of benefits, including cost, freedom, and safety through in-home care.