New Yorkers were cautious during the COVID pandemic. When contact with strangers was risky, many families were understandably hesitant to bring caregivers into contact with seniors.
But as lockdowns eased, we noticed a worrying pattern: Families in Westchester and Bronxville weren’t seeking in-home help for seniors as early as they had before the pandemic. Previously, they would reach out to us about companion care at the first sign their loved one might need help. But now, they were delaying until it was urgent.
Their hesitation is understandable, but it doesn’t help. It lets problems fester, reduces seniors’ quality of life and increases stress and costs for families.
Difficulties have a habit of multiplying unless they’re addressed, so it’s important to seek help from a caregiver at the first signs of trouble. By looking out for warning signs and getting your loved one the care they need as early as possible, you can keep them safe, improve their daily life and give yourself peace of mind.
Why It’s Best to Start In-Home Help for Seniors Early
Starting home care early leads to better health and well-being for your loved one. It also creates a solid baseline to build on as their needs shift that can reduce costs long-term.
Home Care Is Preventative Care
Home care is a form of preventative care. The earlier it starts, the more issues it can prevent. That’s because seniors’ challenges build on each other.
For example, as we get older, it can become more difficult to eat a balanced diet and take medications on time. By simply meeting these basic needs, caregivers offer one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to maintain seniors’ health. They also prevent falls and accidents, get your loved one to and from appointments, give them meaningful companionship and help them stay independent.
Caregivers from an agency like FirstLight Home Care of Bronxville and Westchester County also work with a registered nurse who advises them on how best to care for your loved one. They know how to monitor for any warning signs and get expert help at the first sign of trouble.
Caregivers Offer Companionship
According to our on-staff nurse Mairead O’Shea, home care can also improve seniors’ mental health. Just having something to do and someone to do it with can drastically improve their quality of life.
At FirstLight Home Care of Bronxville and Westchester, our compassionate caregivers take the time to genuinely connect with seniors. With a friend they can rely on, your loved one will feel happier and more fulfilled.
Starting Early Normalizes Getting Help
Getting help from a caregiver for the first time can be uncomfortable. Many seniors need a while to acclimate, especially if they have dementia. But if you start your loved one’s care when they don’t need it, they’re more likely to accept help when they do.
New faces and settings can overwhelm seniors with dementia, and they may not know who to trust during an emergency or hospital visit. An established, familiar caregiver can give your loved one a familiar face they can count on when nothing else makes sense.
Starting Early Reduces Costs
The initial costs may seem high, but senior care actually reduces expenses for most families. Just 12 hours of care a week can help maintain your loved one’s health and prevent accidents and hospitalizations. If you’re a family caregiver, home care can even help you increase your income by giving you the time and energy to focus on your job.
On top of that, long-term care insurance rewards you for starting early with lower upfront costs. And if you’re paying into it, you might as well use it—the money is gone if you don’t.
Professional Caregivers Support Family Caregivers
Many families plan to care for their loved ones themselves instead of seeking home care, then find themselves overwhelmed and burnt out. A home care professional can provide much-needed help for family caregivers.
For example, professional caregivers can handle tasks that are more difficult for family caregivers. Helping an aging parent bathe or go to the bathroom can be uncomfortable for everyone involved, so a professional can help your loved one maintain a feeling of dignity.
On top of that, helping seniors bathe takes more skill and strength than most people expect. Without the right technique, accidents are common. That’s why we give our caregivers the training necessary to help seniors bathe safely and comfortably.
Early Home Care Leads to Better Outcomes
The earlier your loved one starts getting home care, the better off they’ll be. Starting home care early is a great way to maintain their health and independence, give yourself peace of mind and reduce healthcare bills.
With the compassionate caregivers and registered nurses from FirstLight Home Care of Bronxville and Westchester County, you can trust that your loved one will be in caring, capable hands.
If you’re ready to start the conversation around your loved one’s home care, don’t hesitate to contact us.
