Many family caregivers and decision-makers for older family members are taking note of how COVID-19 has affected long-term care facilities. Receiving care at an assisted living facility or in the comfort of your home depends on your loved one’s needs. However, many families are starting to consider home care as an option.
According to Home Health Care News, 65% of respondents agreed that COVID-19 had completely changed their perception about the best way to care for aging seniors.
Making care decisions for older loved ones require families to consider various factors, including the level of care needed, your support network, and finances. Now, additional health and safety factors are making in-home care more beneficial than ever.
Why Families Are Choosing In-Home Care
Patients and families are becoming more engaged in their care. Patient satisfaction and preference are key in selecting the best care options. Many older adults say that they prefer to age in place or receive care at home.
In-home care accommodates the desires of those who wish to receive care at home. And right now, Home care agencies help those who want to limit contact during the coronavirus. One-on-one assistance from a certified caregiver helps maintain social distancing while receiving consistent care.
Over 50% of family members say they are more likely to choose in-home care now than before coronavirus. This shift in thinking will likely continue as more see the benefits of receiving care at home. While assisted living services can be a great benefit, many families enjoy the following positives of in-home care services:
- Receiving care in the comfort of their home or the residence of a relative.
- Personalized care plans that can be customized at any time. If you need assistance only for a few hours or full-time, home care agencies can work with your schedule.
- One-on-one care with a caregiver or caregiving team. The family and patient have a say in selecting the caregiver.
- More affordable, long-term care options for those with chronic conditions.
- High-quality care administered following CDC guidelines from certified professionals.
Should I Transition My Loved One to In-Home Care?
Many are taking the advice to stay at home seriously. Social distancing is making caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals reevaluate the capabilities of our healthcare system.
Ultimately, assisted living facilities and home care providers have the same goal: to get older adults and those with chronic conditions the care they need. If you are considering switching to home care right now, here are some questions to consider.
How much help does your loved one need?
Everyone’s needs are different. Does your loved one need only a few hours of care a day or 24/7 assistance? Have those needs changed since COVID-19?
Both facilities and home care agencies offer different levels of care. If your loved one is interested in more customized, one-on-one attention, or their needs have changed, home care agencies can often accommodate patients more quickly.
Where will your loved one be receiving care?
If your loved one is already receiving care from an assisted living facility, you should check in with them and their care team.
See how your loved one is doing and how they are coping with COVID-19. Are they getting enough attention? Is there additional help they may need during this time?
Learn what precautions the facility is taking to prevent the spread of infection. And check-in frequently for updates about a potential outbreak to determine if your loved one is safer in a facility or at home.
For those who want to have care services at home, consider whether your loved one will be at their home, your residence, or a close relative. Think about the schedule of those living with you, if they need to be outside of the house often, and how that might affect high-risk individuals living with you.
What is your loved one’s condition?
If your loved one has a high fever and a consistent cough, they should receive medical attention. Follow CDC guidelines to understand when to go to the hospital. Some patients can recover from home, and depending on the situation, home care services can assist in recovery.
Alternative Options for Patients
For those considering alternatives to assisted living facilities, we can answer your questions about home care. Contact WFC for an immediate family need or when planning for future needs: info@westfamilycare.com, 914-764-7500, www.westchesterfamilycare.com.