7 Myths About In-Home Care

You may have heard many things surrounding what in-home care entails. For many individuals, in-home care is sanity and a relationship-saving godsend. Unfortunately, the world of home care is often filled with myths. What exactly does a professional caregiver do?

It is normal to be cautious about hiring a stranger to care for a dear loved one. However, learning about how in-home care works can help you address concerns and make confident decisions.

This article will discuss and debunk the most common concerns about in-home care. 

 

1. Only Really Sick People Need In-Home Care

In-home care is an incredible service for seniors recovering from an operation or suffering from chronic health conditions. Yet, it is also beneficial for seniors who need extra help. For example, if your elderly loved one struggles with arthritis, they might benefit from an in-home caregiver. The caregiver can help prepare meals, take care of household chores, or run errands. 

If the senior requires help with daily tasks, such as shopping, meal preparation, and daily companionship, in-home care could be an ideal option.

 

2. I Couldn’t Afford It

It is easy to assume that in-home caregiving services are expensive. However, these services can be more affordable than other forms of senior living, partly because you pay for an hourly service. Your cost directly reflects the number of hours the caregiver will spend with your loved one. Depending on the needs of the senior, you might only need an in-home care professional for a few hours a week. Also, the type of care and services impact in-home care costs. 

According to a 2020 survey, home care is often less expensive than a nursing facility. For example, for 7 hours a week, the monthly amount you might pay is $713 for homemaker aid services and $728 for home health aid services. 

 

3. In-Home Care is Less Quality Than a Care Institution

Yes, institutions have several benefits, such as round-the-clock care and meal services. But in-home caregivers do provide similar, high-quality services. Caregivers can also offer more personalized care. Instead of assisting several patients simultaneously, their focus is on your loved one. In addition, seniors are often more comfortable in their homes.

Professional in-home caregivers can assist seniors with various activities, like cooking and cleaning. You can also opt for more intensive care from stroke recovery to hospice. 

Finally, reputable home health companies hire licensed, skilled, and compassionate professionals. The Centers for Medicare also note that home health care is as effective as the services you receive in a hospital or nursing setting. 

 

4. In-Home Caregiving Services Are All the Same

There are three categories for home care services – independent caregivers with a registry, independent caregivers, and agency employees. 

Independent caregivers will market themselves and are not associated with any company. The senior or family handles screening candidates to ensure viable credentials. 

A registry will refer an independent contractor to families. These caregivers are extensively screened and well-trained. While the registry bears no responsibility, you know the referral is credible. However, your loved one or you will be responsible for hiring and scheduling. 

Finally, an agency will hire caregivers after a thorough screening and background check. Agency employees are well-trained, bonded, and insured. You pay the agency instead of the caregiver directly. The agency ensures the highest quality and professionalism in the caregiver and the services offered. 

You have several options for finding the ideal home-care professional to meet your unique loved one’s needs. However, using an agency is often the best option for several reasons.

• It makes the hiring process easier. 
• It removes the burden of responsibility from you. 
• Agencies ensure employees receive additional training, support, and continuing education. 
• Agencies often encourage families to interview individual caregivers before hiring them to ensure a good fit. 

 

5. Home Care Reduces Independence

Hiring an in-home care aide does not mean your loved one surrenders independence. Hiring an in-home care aide can give individuals the support they need to maintain their independence. Through assisting with daily tasks or medical needs, an in-home care aide makes everyday life more manageable. Caregivers strive to support many seniors’ desires to live independently for as long as possible.

In-home caregivers also assist clients by preventing common injuries such as fractures or broken bones. A home health care professional helps preserve your loved one’s independence. Then they can enjoy a safe environment at home for as long as possible! 

 

6. In-Home Care is a Temporary Solution 

In-home care is often seen as a temporary solution to a potentially long-term problem. However, consider these options before dismissing in-home caregiving for a more permanent solution, such as a nursing home. 

If you find the right team of caregivers, then in-home care can be a welcome and permanent solution. You can hire trained health professionals as caregivers. A trained health professional can provide medical home care, meaning you do not need to move your loved one to a nursing home. 

You and your elderly loved one control who comes into the home. Interviewing potential candidates is a wonderful way of finding the right fit. The right caregiver can set your loved one up for a beneficial long-term solution. 

 

7. My Family is My Home-Care

Aging is a beautiful and challenging process. As your elderly loved one ages, the burden on you and your family can quickly become overwhelming. While providing care to a cherished loved one is rewarding, it can also be draining. Even if you can give the majority of care, hiring an in-home caregiver can provide you with a much-needed break.

Hiring a caregiver does not mean you surrender all care of your loved one. However, a caregiver can create a more balanced care plan removing the risk of you and your family experiencing caregiver burnout. A home caregiver can also help provide support for your loved one in areas you might not be able to. For example, offering an impartial opinion and a confidential listening ear. 

In-home care professionals can provide your loved one with the quality care they need while helping them maintain independence. With a wide variety of services provided, your family can find the professional to best fit your individual needs.

At Close to Home Caregivers, we hire professional, qualified, compassionate, and caring staff. We also offer various services to fit your loved one’s unique health and physical needs. It is crucial to ensure we provide the right services and professionals to fit your family’s needs. Please reach out for a free courtesy consultation to learn more about our agency and how we can help your family! 

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