Even though in-home care services have been readily available for more than two decades, home care is still very often misunderstood. To help clear up any confusion you might have about how home care can help you or an aging family member, here is the truth about the 7 most common myths about home care:
Myth #1: Home Care is only for the very ill
Truth: Most home care recipients are not ill at all. In fact, while there are home health care services for people who might be coping with chronic conditions, most people utilize non-medical home care to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, bathing, personal care, and transportation. For example, the caregivers from FirstLight Home Care — South Sound help our clients shop, prepare meals, do laundry and perform light housework. In other cases, we might simply provide companionship, which can be helpful in avoiding depression or improving your loved one’s mood.
Myth #2: Home care is very expensive
Truth: Home care is actually far more affordable than most people believe. Many people think that hiring a caregiver to come into their loved one’s home will be much too expensive. But according industry surveys, the average family overestimates the cost of home care by about $6 an hour. And when compared to a private room in a nursing facility in Washington – estimated to total $105,631 annually (Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey) – hiring a home care agency like FirstLight Home Care — South Sound is actually much more affordable than a nursing home.
Myth #3: Home care is only for “high needs”
Truth: There are a variety of home care services and flexible service plans. Maybe your aging loved one only needs help with shopping, but you can manage their housework and personal care just fine. Or maybe they just need help with stability in the shower or with preparing meals. Whether your loved one needs just an hour or 40 hours of help each week, FirstLight Home Care — South Sound will find a a trained, certified and professional caregiver to match your loved one’s needs.
Myth #4: I have family, so I don’t need home care
Truth: Truth: Home care is not a replacement for family caregivers. Caring for an aging family member is very rewarding. The burden can also become physically and emotionally exhausting, even overwhelming. Hiring an agency like FirstLight Home Care — South Sound to provide breaks for primary family caregivers so they don’t stretch themselves too thin. Respite care from trained, professional caregivers ensures your loved one will receive quality care, provides relief for family and friends, and maintains a healthy balance for everyone involved.
Myth #5: Only seniors use home care
Truth: Home care is often utilized by parents with newborns, people recovering from injuries or surgical procedures or busy families who want to save time and money. Home care can be personalized to fit the unique needs and unique situation of you and your family.
Myth #6: Home care won’t meet long-term needs
Truth: It’s easy for home care to accommodate long-term care needs. For seniors or other individuals who will require long-term care, home care is an outstanding choice. In addition to being state certified Home Care Aides or Nursing Assistants, caregivers from FirstLight Home Care — South Sound receive additional training and certification in Dementia Care, Diabetes Care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, and End-of-Life Care. Most important, with home care, your loved one will be cared for in the comfort and convenience of their own home.
Myth #7: I don’t get to choose my caregiver
Truth: You always have the final say in your care. At FirstLight Home Care — South Sound, we do our best to find a great caregiver match for each of our clients. However, if you or your loved one ever don’t get along with a caregiver, if you don’t trust or feel comfortable with a caregiver, or if a caregiver isn’t meeting your needs, you always have the option to have the caregiver replaced with one who works better. You are in control of your care and you’re complete satisfaction is our highest priority.
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