According to a recent AARP survey, over two-thirds of all Americans aged 50+ want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Sadly, most of those respondents will eventually face functional limitations that threaten their independence.
When that day arrives, older adults oftentimes must choose between receiving care at home versus moving into a nursing home. What follows are several reasons why more and more families are now choosing home care as the best option for their aging loved ones.
Care Considerations for Seniors
Along with age come inevitable physical and mental changes that limit what a senior can and can’t do. One way to measure their ability to remain independent is the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADLs).
Functional limitations that the elderly oftentimes face can be caused by factors like:
- Recovering after an injury, stroke, or surgery
- Chronic medical condition (cancer, heart disease, arthritis, etc.)
- Cognitive decline due to dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Lack of reliable transportation
- Financial difficulties
- Eyesight changes
COVID-19 has made it even harder for many aging-in-place seniors to maintain their quality-of-life. Once a loved one needs help completing one or more ADLs, families are forced to make tough decisions about where that care will take place.
Negatives of Long-Term Care Facilities
The main benefit of care provided in a nursing home environment is having trained professionals available 24/7 in the event of an emergency. The negatives of moving your loved one into a long-term care facility include:
- Not being able to see them, especially with COVID-19 restrictions
- Privacy concerns, notably when staying in a semi-private room
- Limited meal and dietary selections
- Cost-of-care when financial resources are limited
- Staffing concerns
If your loved one qualifies for skilled care Medicare will cover the full cost of a semi-private nursing home room for only up to 20 days, and then 80% of the cost for another 80 days. Medicaid will only pay for a semi-private room once a senior has met eligibility requirements.
Why Families Trust In-Home Care More
For many of the reasons listed above, a growing number of families are now placing their trust in home care when it comes to their aging loved ones. Whether it’s provided by informal caregivers or paid professionals, seniors that receive in-home care typically enjoy these benefits as a result:
Quality-of-life
No matter how hard you try, a nursing home isn’t going to feel like- or be as comfortable as- your loved one’s home. Sleeping in a comfy bed, lounging in their favorite recliner, or bathing in their own bathroom are all positives for a senior’s dignity, self-esteem, and independence.
Living out the remainder of their lives surrounded by friends and family is highly beneficial for an aging adult’s health and wellbeing. In most cases, seniors who remain at home enjoy a higher quality-of-life than those who end up in nursing homes.
Freedom
Seniors who remain at home also enjoy a greater sense of independence by setting their own schedule, going to their favorite places and activities, and eating their favorite foods. There’s no way to duplicate that same level of freedom and self-sufficiency while in a nursing home with the same routine for every resident.
Safety
Although nursing homes due offer some safety advantages over personal residences, they also present safety challenges. due to understaffing concerns and the potential to spread infectious diseases very quickly- like COVID-19. Once your loved one’s home has undergone safety modifications to accommodate any limitations that might have, it will provide a safe environment for the home care to take place.
Family Trusted Home Care for Seniors in Manatee County, FL
Choosing between a nursing home and home care isn’t easy. At First In Care, our senior care services support the independent lifestyles of older adults who choose to live in private homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or individual living centers. Our highly trained professionals support activities of daily living through services like respite care, personal care, companionship care, dementia care, light housekeeping, and even live-in and 24-hour care.
While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers use a unique approach that’s designed to maintain your senior’s quality of life, dignity, and independence. To learn more now about our flexible plans and hourly rates, or to schedule an initial consultation for a senior in Manatee County, FL, today, please visit First In Care at www.firstincare.com!
