By Ted Wolfendale | July 1, 2019
People hear stories from others regarding home care and fall for a lot of misinformation. These are five of the most common misconceptions families have about home care services.
Home Care Aides Dictate What Care Your Parent Gets
When you call a home care agency, your parent may be interviewed and assessed. Your input counts, too. You have likely seen your mom or dad struggling with tasks and have a good grip on what care services would help you feel more comfortable as they age at home. Caregivers work with you to find a plan that keeps your parent safe while also meeting your expectations.
You Don’t Need Home Care Until Your Parent is Sick or Injured
Home care can help your parent after an illness or injury, but it also benefits seniors who want companionship, assistance with housekeeping, or transportation. It’s not just a care service for those who are unwell.
It’s Cheaper to Move Your Parent into Assisted Living
According to Genworth, assisted living costs an average of $923 per week. That typically includes an apartment, meals, basic utilities, and an hour of time with a caregiver each day. It does vary from one location to the next. The more care that’s needed, the more expensive it is.
If your parent needs 40 hours of care per week, the cost would vary from $840 to $880 per week. The question is, how much help does your parent really need? If your mom or dad only need help with laundry and housekeeping, it’s very unlikely they’ll need 40 hours of care services each week.
Home Care Aides Take Away Your Parents’ Independence and Privacy
Many people think a home care aide will end up taking away independence and privacy. Caregivers are only there to assist with the tasks your parent finds difficult. The goal is to make sure your parent remains independent at home for as long as possible.
When it comes to privacy, it can be a little harder, but it’s not impossible. Caregivers are trained to make sure your parent is treated with as much dignity and respect as possible during personal care tasks. In many cases, the caregiver will keep your parent wrapped in towels to preserve modesty and wash one area at a time.
You Have No Say in Who an Agency Sends
When you work with a home care agency, they look at your parent’s needs and personality and look for the best match. If you find your parent and caregiver are not getting along, you have every right to ask for someone else.
It can take a little bit of adjusting to find the right match. Ask the home care agency you call if it’s possible to interview potential caregivers first. This way, you can see who your parent seems to relate to the most.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Naples, FL, call the caring staff at Dial-a-Nurse today. Naples: (239) 434-8000. Ft. Myers: (239) 939-1228.