HOMECARE MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS EXPOSED

Time to expose some common myths and misconceptions about homecare and companionship services! Home care and companionship provides many benefits to Seniors or other individuals who need help, why is it so mis-understood?

Many people are afraid of the very idea of aging or becoming ill, of losing their independence and needing help – could it be they make excuses to put up barriers against the very thing that can improve their quality of life? Consider these common myths about homecare and companionship, and instead get a new perspective on how Visiting Angels services may be just the thing you are looking for:

MYTH #1: HOME CARE IS TOO EXPENSIVE.

A recent national survey revealed that 22% of homecare clients employ caregiver services for just four hours per week. Another 20% employ them between four and eight hours a week. In-home care is much more affordable than people expect! Non-medical home care from Visiting Angels can be ideal if your loved one just needs a few hours of non-medical help and companionship service such as: meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation and shopping.

Although it is still primarily private pay, it is more affordable to allow your loved one to stay independent in their own home rather than go to an expensive care facility where independence is hindered. More long-term care policies are covering this service and there are other options. and See our prior article on how to pay here: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/how-to-pay-for-homecare-when-long-term-care-insurance-is-not-an-option-weekly-message_4273

MYTH #2: CAREGIVERS ARE UNCARING & UNTRUSTWORTHY.

Allowing someone into your loved one’s home to keep an eye on them can be hard, especially if you’ve heard rumors of people having issues with caregivers. The truth is that if the home care agency you use is an award-winning, reputable agency like Visiting Angels, it will perform a thorough Level 2, federal, criminal background check and strict vetting of their caregivers.

Not only are they safe to allow around your loved one, they DO care! You should make sure that a company’s caregivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. The agency should conduct background and reference checks of their caregivers, check out our prior article here: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/carefully-screen-caregivers-for-your-loved-one-weekly-message_581

MYTH #3: YOU HAVE TO BE SICK OR HAVE DEMENTIA TO BENEFIT FROM A CAREGIVER OR COMPANION.

You might have a picture in your head of the person you imagine to be in need of in-home care. Most likely it’s a frail senior who can’t even get out of bed – and this is totally inaccurate! Home care is not only for the very ill or those with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Someone young or middle aged recovering from a serious operation, a fall, or accident may seek the services of a home health aide till they recover.

Non-medical home care often revolves around the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing and bathing. Or the instrumental ADLs such as driving, shopping and doing housework. Many seniors or those with chronic conditions who have only lost the ability to drive, or shouldn’t be lifting heavy things, can still enjoy life on their own but need a ride to the grocery store, help with housekeeping, or some companionship at home if their family members work full time.

MYTH #4: I HAVE NO SAY ABOUT WHO THE CAREGIVER IS, WHAT TIME THEY COME, OR WHAT THEY DO WHEN THEY ARE HERE.

A reputable home health agency like Visiting Angels will try to match caregivers with clients of similar personality and interests. The agency will also offer flexibility in setting up a schedule that suits your needs and your budget. Credible companies will also offer back-up and replacement caregivers should your aide become ill.

Visiting Angels goes to great lengths to hire individuals who have a passion for helping others live happy, healthy, and independent lives. Visiting Angels caregivers will also care for your pets if you have them!

Most caregivers enjoy staying active and busy in the client’s home, or out and about running your errands or helping you do your shopping. They can take you to the park, therapy, a movie or beauty salon. You can choose what they do alone or what you do together while they are on assignment. No one sits in your home and watches TV all day or plays with their iPhone! Check out our prior article with a checklist for success if you are seriously considering help at home. It will help you make a list of tasks and a timetable for the CG also help to set expectations: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/tips-for-success-when-arranging-for-an-agency-caregiver-or-companion-weekly-message_2886

MYTH #5: HOME CARE WILL TAKE AWAY MY INDEPENDENCE.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to convince some seniors that the opposite is true. However, the elderly who stay home alone as they age run the risk of falls, not adhering to medical protocols, poor nutrition, and other problems. Among those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. A professional caregiver can serve as a second set of eyes and ears to help keep seniors safer at home when you can’t be there. A caregiver also can transport seniors to therapy and doctor visits to keep them healthy, as well as to special events, the park, or even just to the grocery store to help decrease isolation.

MYTH #6: FAMILY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THEIR LOVED ONE.

As much as you want to help, unfortunately you may not have the time or the skill to be the best caregiver. Your loved one may feel more comfortable accepting help from a trained professional, rather than burdening you or other family members with their needs. By introducing a caregiver, you allow your loved one to benefit from expert care and be able to enjoy quality time with you and your family when you visit.

It may feel like you’re saving money but you’re actually most likely giving up a lot when it comes to time off from your job, time away from your children or partner, and time lost for other matters you need to attend to in your own personal life. Spreading yourself too thin by committing to caring for your loved one rather than hiring a trained professional, can jeopardize your own health. See our prior article on respite care and caring for the family caregiver here: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/give-yourself-the-gift-of-respite-care-weekly-message_868

MYTH #7: PEOPLE WILL THINK I AM WEAK AND NEEDY.

On the contrary – this is you taking control of your life and realizing you want and deserve something better.

Myth #8: All caregiving services are the same.

Not true. You want to look for a licensed agency, not a registry, and a company that is recognized and active in the both the professional and local community that has many industry awards. Also ask what the customer satisfaction rating is, and look for testimonials from clients. For example, Visiting Angels published client satisfaction rating is 94.4%, and we have won the Best of Homecare - Provider of Choice award for 7 years in a row. Client testimonials can be found on our website, facebook and Google pages.

CONTACT US: Still have doubts? We offer a one hour, FREE, consultation. During that time we can have a conversation about your needs and expectations, the schedule that works best for you, what caregiver or companion personality type suits your loved one best, and what you consider to be an affordable number of hours by the day, week, or bi-monthly as needed.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.