Debunking The Most Common Myths About Senior Care
Get the truth about in-home senior care and how it can improve the quality of life of your loved ones
When given the option, the great majority of seniors choose to remain at home as they age, even if they need assistance with their daily routines. If you are your parent or relative’s primary caregiver, you may want to look into professional senior care, which can improve your loved one’s well-being and allow you to preserve a healthy balance between caregiving and your work, kids, and hobbies.
Let’s take a look at some of the most widespread myths about senior home care:
MYTH #1: Professional Home Care Is Just Too Expensive
When they first start considering the idea of senior care, most people assume it’s too expensive. What many primary or family caregivers forget to think about are the hidden costs of care provided by family members, such as lost wages from having to reduce work hours, medical bills from accumulated stress, and more.
As for the actual numbers, home care is much more affordable than nursing homes. According to a survey conducted by Genworth Financial, the cost of a private nursing home is $253 per day whereas the cost of private home care is $125 a day!
MYTH #2: My Loved One Doesn’t Need Professional Care
While admitting that your loved one needs professional home care may not be easy, it is important to keep in mind that your parent or relative could boost independence and lead a high-quality lifestyle with the help of an expert caregiver.
Besides, senior care is not just for those seniors who cannot live without the help of others; it comes with many benefits for older adults who need a bit of support here and there, too. For example, it can include just housekeeping and meal preparation or companionship and personal care.
Myth #3: My Loved One Needs My Support, Not The Help of a Professional
It’s only natural that you want to be there for your loved one. However, most seniors are actually more comfortable receiving care from a professional than a family member, allowing their children to stay their children, not become their caregivers.
Additionally, many seniors form close, loving relationships with their caregivers, who become almost like extended family members to them over time.
MYTH #4: Home Care is Only For Seniors Who Are Very, Very Ill
Home care services can be beneficial for a wide range of seniors, from those who are just lonely or need assistance with running errands, grocery shopping, and housekeeping to those who have mobility issues or dementia! Home care can serve them all!
The biggest advantage of senior care is that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be tailored to your loved one’s needs and then additionally modified and adjusted to be a perfect fit for them, both today and in the days to come.
MYTH #5: Regular Family Visits Are Enough For My Loved One
While your loved one may not need a lot of help now, their situation can change in the future. As they continue aging and their health keeps deteriorating bit by bit, you and your family may not be able to address your loved one’s needs properly.
Another point to consider is that visiting your parent or relative once in a while may not allow you to truly understand what their needs are. Your loved one may be perfectly fine during the day but have problems sleeping or going to the bathroom at night. This is not something you can notice if you stop by on your lunch break every day.
MYTH #6: Senior Care Equals The Loss of Independence
Many seniors and their family members believe that hiring a professional is the end of independent living. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Senior care was designed to maximize independence in seniors and allow them to remain happy and active at home.
An expert caregiver will not do all the work for your loved one, increasing their dependence on others; instead, they will offer assistance and support throughout the day, enabling your parent to remain involved in their care, participate in everyday activities, and maintain an optimal level of physical, mental, and social activity in their routine.
Senior care is a good, empowering way of allowing seniors to remain in control of their lives and future. If after learning the facts about in-home care services you believe it could benefit your senior loved one, please contact Visiting Angels Gastonia. With a staff of trained compassionate caregivers, we’re able to provide a variety of in-home services including specialized dementia care, hospital-to-home transitioning care, part-time respite services, and more.
Visiting Angels proudly serves Alexis, Belmont, Bessemer City, Boiling Springs, Casar, Charlotte, Cherryville, Cramerton, Crouse, Dallas, Earl, Fallston, Gastonia, High Shoals, Iron Station, Kings Mountain, Lattimore, Lawndale, Lincolnton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mooresboro, Polkville, Shelby, Stanley, Vale, Waco, and the surrounding areas of North Carolina.