Did you know that according to some reports, the population of those aged 85 and older is expected to triple in number between now and 2050 in the United States? On one hand, this is good news as people are living longer but it also points out the need, for many families, for more senior care.
While no one looks forward to the idea of placing one’s parent in a retirement home, that is the reality for many. However, more and more senior home care companies are popping up everywhere making the hope for continuing to live at home more of a reality.
The senior home care industry (yes, it is an industry) is more advanced than ever. More than just a retired nurse coming over to check in on your parent from time to time, most services offer a wide range of care options.
Elderly seniors who continue to live at home are usually more happy, healthy and more at peace. This in turn takes away the worry and stress off the loved ones caring for them. Seniors who continue to live at home are able to hang on to their dignity and sense of personal freedom. The help providers work around the senior’s schedule, not the other way around.
True, some senior home care is more expensive than a rest home, but without all other overhead and management it takes to run a rest home, the option of home care is becoming much more affordable. Those with parents struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s may find comfort that their loved one could stay in the familiar surroundings of their own home rather than sharing a space with strangers.
Let’s face it, there are very few of us who have the skills needed to take care of a senior citizen’s medical needs on our own. Even if we could, the stress of such could be overwhelming. Bringing in a qualified staff person into the home of your parent could help relieve a lot of stress for you. The key is to bring in someone who enjoys working with and being with senior citizens. Just because someone is good at their job means that they will be the right one to work with your parent.
If you doubt that senior home care could be right for your unique situation, ask your parents. You may be surprised that they would rather continuing living in their own home rather than more in with you or a group home.
If you and your family are facing a similar situation in your own lives right now, or will be soon, take the time to scour the internet or phonebook for options of senior home care near you.
I’m a healthcare consultant specializing in live-in care. Visit http://www.brightstarcare.com/nashvillegreen-hills to learn more.