November 27, 2013

For some elderly citizens, remaining at home is no longer an option. Either physical or mental deterioration makes it impossible for them to carry out daily tasks, even with assistance from loved ones. Other seniors, however, may be able to live at home longer than they think. A recent article discusses considerations a person should make before committing to provide in-home care for a loved one.

First, consider what limitations your loved one faces. Are these limitations that a family member or in-home care worker can assist with? If your loved one requires regular doctor visits, could you arrange a doctor or nurse to make house calls? Finally, consider whether you can afford a personal-care assistant to assist with non-medical tasks such as meal-preparation, cooking and cleaning. Even hiring a person on a part-time basis will save you from the responsibility of 24/7 care.

If you plan on providing care to your loved one yourself, consider the toll the care may take on you. Often, family members undertake such tasks before realizing that they are ill equipped to deal with the unique tasks that aging individuals face. Additionally, if your loved one is unable to carry out simple tasks such as bathing, toileting, and dressing, a long term care facility may be the best and safest option.