When looking for in-home health care, whether for yourself or your parents, there are a variety of factors to consider. Planning for the long term will help you ensure that you or your parents are getting the assistance they need, when they need it. If you’re unsure what home health-care might look like for your situation consider the following options before taking the leap.
A look at the pros and cons of in-home health care will help guarantee that you start on the right foot when it’s time to take action.
The Pros of In-Home Health Care
1) Remain in The Home
The biggest advantage of in-home health care is that individuals can remain in their own homes and not be required to adjust to a whole new living environment. Staying at home offers a degree of independence, while being in a familiar environment. This independence and freedom won’t come from being in a residential facility. It also means that the stress of a move is eliminated.
2) Unlimited Visiting Hours
When a loved one is in a residential home, there are limitations as to when you can visit them. Whereas with home care, family and friends can visit at any time. This is vital not only in preventing loneliness but in maintaining overall mental wellbeing.
3) A Variety of Services
Another big benefit is that all in-home care providers offer different services. This means that you can find the right service for you. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s medical counseling, medication management, physical therapy, or something else there is like a service that will meet your needs. https://serenityhomehealth.com/services/ is just one example of potentially available services. A visit to their site, or a phone call will give you an example of the services that are available.
Now onto the cons:
1) It Can Be Expensive
Unfortunately, in-home health care isn’t cheap. And although it’s more affordable than residential care, it can put a significant dent in your budget. It is particularly costly if you require either specialized services or long-term care. It will range in price depending on the service and provider, and is not a decision that can be taken lightly.
Therefore, is can be very helpful to look into the cost in advance and find out whether they offer financial plans to spread out the cost. Financing the cost over an extended period of time will help to make it more affordable while allowing you to benefit from the services.
2) Not Beneficial For Sociable People
If you’re sociable and you like the community atmosphere, then in-home health care might not be the right decision for you. Unlike residential care, you won’t be exposed to the opportunity to socialize with others going through a similar situation. Even if your friends and family visit you regularly, you may enjoy a readily available social life.
3) Carers Can Change Weekly
One big downside to an in-home care service is that many home care agencies change their carers weekly. This can be very unsettling for everyone. It is difficult for the individuals involved to develop a level of trust and consistency of care. Instead of gaining a connection with a carer, they will instead have to start the relationship fresh each time. This of course will be more difficult for some than others.
Final Thoughts
So, there you go! These are the top pros and cons of in-home health care. What you choose to do is up to you and will depend on the services available in your area, the cost relative to your budget and your personal preferences. Hopefully, thinking about the pros and cons, combined with thorough research, will help you make a decision that is right for you.
