5 Benefits of In-Home Health Care

January 27, 2021

As the population ages, more individuals require more medical care. Although long-term care facilities are a possible solution, they’re expensive and offer more of a hospital-like setting. If you or a loved one have been considering in-home care, it’s important to focus on your scenario. What type of treatment do you require? While weighing options, here are the benefits to expect from in-home care.

More Cost-Effective Treatment

Depending on your personal needs, it is possible to save a significant amount of money by choosing in-home care. Although it is necessary to pay for a caregiver and possibly some equipment, there are no costs for room and board as well as other nursing home fees. Additionally, there is also the option of controlling the number of times each week the caregiver visits, allowing more flexibility on costs. Whether a family caregiver contributes half the time or not, paying someone on an hourly basis can be much more cost-effective.

The Comforts Of Home

Sure, patients can bring personal items to a long-term care facility, but nothing beats home. Whether patients have a garden they love or want to be in a place where the family can come for the holidays, the comforts of home are soothing. If an individual’s condition worsens due to Alzheimer’s, for instance, it is still possible to implement some safety features and cues to help make day-to-day tasks easier and safer. If you’re not ready to give up your favorite chair, in-home care can help you stay within the comfort of your home. While it may not work forever, it can certainly extend the comfort and independence of home.

More Personalized Care

Long-term care facilities do their best, but the sad truth is the majority of these facilities are understaffed, something often linked to a lack of funds. Between handing out medications, stripping beds, and all the other daily tasks required to run a long-term care facility, patients do not always receive quality personalized care (or personalized care at all). When you hire an in-home caregiver or companion, patients gain the type of support they require. When being cared for by a professional, patients can ensure their needs are being met within a more personal, one-on-one situation. This personalized care is more important than people realize unless they do not have it.

Increased Flexibility

When patients opt for in-home care, they experience greater flexibility regarding their schedule. Long-term care facilities tend to have set visiting times, which restricts when family and other loved ones can be there. However, when receiving care in their home, patients are the ones in full control of when friends and family members come to visit. Furthermore, if they feel like sitting in the yard to enjoy a cup of tea, they can do so. In-home care can also be adjusted based on changing needs. This level of flexibility often allows seniors to stay independent for as long as possible.

Improves Quality Of Life

The most important aspect of care should be ensuring high levels of dignity while encouraging independence. When seeking in-home care, patients are able to avoid institutionalization and premature decline. Being encouraged on a daily basis helps stimulate the mind and reduce one’s risk of cognitive decline. When cared for by a loved one or professional caregiver, patients have greater control over what they do, eat, and even what they watch on television.

Furthermore, as stated previously, in-home care helps to extend a patient's independence for as long as possible. This independence is of paramount importance to countless individuals around the world, particularly senior citizens. When their independence is maintained, it will increase their overall quality of life in big ways.

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