As of 2007, an estimated 12 million Americans needed long-term care. The fact is that now more than ever there is a rising number of senior citizens in America who will need long-term care. On a surface level, the answer to this is that these seniors are cared for by their loved ones. However, taking care of elderly family members is easier said than done. Often times, senior citizens in need of long-term care are, for want of a better term, a full-time job. Those caring for their loved ones cannot work full-time jobs themselves, and therefore lose a lot of money. Furthermore, it can be difficult to watch someone you love deteriorate on a daily basis. This is a part of caring for a senior citizen. Although they may have good days, they are in their twilight years, and this can be a very depressing job. Many times, those who need long-term care do a have a terminal illness — like Alzheimer’s Disease, the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the cause of death for one in three seniors. The most common alternative is often seen to be a nursing home. Nursing homes are very impersonal, however, and difficult for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia to adjust to. The best option for these patients are in home supportive services. Senior helpers can make a big difference not only for those they care for, but the people employing them as well. Let’s look into some of the main reasons why in home supportive services may be the right option for your loved one.
1. Safety
Caregivers for seniors are specific individuals caring for your loved one on a daily basis. This is a much more personal experience than that offered by nursing homes. Nursing homes house a number of seniors, and attempt to give them all good care — and unfortunately, some of them don’t even care to do that much. Even well-intentioned nursing homes can overlook the issues of seniors, simply because there are too many to care for. Personal relationships are not as built up in nursing homes, and employees can be overworked. All of this adds up to an unfortunate reality in which many nursing homes today have been accused of elder abuse. In home supportive services can be checked up on by the employer on a daily basis, and it’s much more difficult for mistakes to slip through the cracks. This type of elder care is also more personal, and the caregiver in question can be vetted on a one-on-one basis by the employer. This isn’t even the greatest reason why home health care for seniors is preferable to nursing homes.
2. Emotional Payoff
It’s easy for those who hire in home supportive services for their loved ones to feel guilty. You might feel like you’re failing your loved one, even though you aren’t. By hiring an individual caregiver, you’re able to not only know for certain that your loved one is being cared for properly — you can also know that you have full access to them. You can visit your loved one whenever you want, and maintain as close a relationship with them as you want. The emotional payoff for you is amazing, and it’s also great for the senior citizen in question.
3. Happiness For Seniors
An unhappy senior can decline very quickly indeed, and it’s no wonder why. Depression can cause a negative physical effect in a big way, and the fact is that many seniors in nursing homes do suffer from it. Being able to interact with a caregiver is great for seniors. It gives them a friend. Their personalized experience can let them add in things like games, regular exercise, and trips to places like the mall and even restaurants. This regular activity makes seniors feel like normal people — which they are. It fosters good health, and this in turn extends their quality of life, and their lifespans in general.