Families who have loved ones requiring help with daily tasks in the home often recognize home care services as essential. But having an unfamiliar face taking care of loved ones or being in their home is still a big concern for some family caregivers. The following are five common myths related to home care services and what they entail.
Myth 1: I won’t have any say regarding who comes into our home.
Agencies will work with clients and families to find an in-home caregiver with a suitable personality and skills. It is in everyone’s best interest to have a trusting, comfortable relationship between the home care representative and the client and agencies will do their best to ensure everyone is satisfied with the arrangement.
Myth 2: Home care workers do not take a personal interest in the needs of their clients.
Actually, agencies typically go to great lengths to understand the needs of their clients so they can match an appropriate caregiver to create the best possible relationship, as noted above. The caregivers themselves understand that they are making a commitment to another person and are eager to establish an easy rapport so everyone feels comfortable from the start. These professionals understand the need for patience and the natural hesitation the client may feel. The goal is to create personalized care that meet the needs of the client. If a family or loved one is not satisfied with the caregiver, the agency will want to know so they may be able to work to find a home care worker that more comfortably meets the needs of those involved.
Myth 3: You have to be really sick to get home care.
While some home care for fragile and aging seniors, fragile pediatrics and children with disabilities involves skilled professional services, there are also non-medical services for people simply needing help around the house. These services may include help with any number of daily activities, including bathing and dressing the client, housework, shopping, transportation, meal preparation, and even help with pets or gardening. A big benefit of home care services is the companionship provided. The client and their family can specify the number of hours each week that they are looking for help.
Myth 4: I can’t afford home care.
In fact, depending on the type of care and the number of hours each week services are needed, home care can be very affordable, especially compared with a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Home care is most often more affordable than staying in a nursing home or assisted living facility, allowing families and the client high quality care that enables them to have more money to do other things.
Myth 5: A senior requiring 24-hour care cannot use home care.
Many agencies will put together an experienced team to caregivers for a client round-the-clock. Home care agencies can work with you to provide exactly the services you need, and at the same time reduce the chance of a hospital readmission. It is important to understand what type and intensity of services should be offered after discharge to reduce unplanned readmissions.
These are just a handful of common myths regarding home care services. It is worth learning more about the value of home care since most people prefer to be cared for in their own home, and it is often the most affordable form of care.
