As we age we know there may come a time when we need help in managing our health care. We also know that for the majority of Canadians the thought of having to move from one’s home to a facility or institution is not on the top of one’s list. The overall preference for most seniors and their families is to remain at home for as long as possible. However, the choice is not always easy when the situation involves caring for someone with Alzheimer’s at home.
Here are the top 5 reasons why you should choose Home Care versus other types of care or accommodation:
Improved Quality of Life
Studies have shown that seniors who receive care in their homes tend to live longer lives and often have an improved outlook and “Quality of Life”. Life is enhanced when seniors can be close to home where family and friends can easily visit, they are in familiar and comfortable surroundings and have a level of control and freedom that would not be found in a community or institutional setting.
One-to-One Care
Seniors who have their own care provider have assurance that they will receive 100% of the care providers attention and focus. It provides consistency in approach, a comfort only achieved by having the same caregivers day in and day out and the ability to lead a meaningful and independent life not controlled by schedules, timeframes and rules.
Cost Effective
Many people wait to make a request for help only after a serious crisis has occurred such as a fall that results in a hip fracture. However. waiting for a crisis can be quite costly in the short and long term. Falls can be preventable and with only a few days a week of support with a plan that includes strength and balance exercises combined with a solid nutritional support plan can make all the difference in the world. The cost factor would be much less than having to move into a long term care centre or retirement facility which quite often are not in a position to provide the specific care that is needed. Quite often private care is called in to fill in the gaps.
Improved Recovery and Overall Health
Studies show that recovery times and overall health is improved when someone is receiving one-to-one care from a professional caregiver than from receiving only intermittent support with ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) from hospitals and other care centres.
Caregiver Relief
The CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.) has found that 85% of Canadians want to stay in their homes as long as possible. This places an enormous amount of responsibility and pressure on family members who provide up to 75% of their care support. A Stats Canada report suggests typically seniors are receiving about 7 hours of care per week from family and only 2 hours per week from professional agencies. Burnout from family members who are unable to cope with the complexities of care is very high. And taking time off from work to care for a loved one is costing Canadians millions annually in lost wages.
Choosing professional support not only provides needed rest and relief for the caregiver it allows them to have quality time with their loved ones rather than focusing on managing and supporting their health care needs. They can also refocus on their careers by putting in a full weeks work and getting paid for their time.
