You may be one of many people who have come to the difficult realization that your beloved family member is no longer able to live independently. Your senior relative may have trouble with day-to-day tasks or remembering to take medications. As a close family member, you may feel responsible for care but might not have the time or skills necessary to provide in-home care. Assisted living facilities are not the only option. If you're interested in senior home care Massachusetts, consider the following information as you decide whether or not it is right for your loved one.
Benefits of Staying Home
Many seniors find it stressful to move to assisted living facilities. Some seniors may still be living with a spouse or other family member in the home. Some are concerned about being separated from pets or memories of children growing up in the home. Seniors who do not want to go to an assisted living facility may be happier, less stressed, and healthier with in-home care.
Available Services
In-home care includes transportation to doctor’s appointments, meal preparation, companionship, and light housework. Caregivers can also help with medication schedules, bathing, grooming, mobility, and toileting. If the senior suffers from dementia, a caregiver will ensure the person in his or her care does not wander away from home.
Costs of In-Home Care
Some in-home care programs are federally funded and may be covered by Medicaid. These programs could end up costing less than an assisted living facility.
Familiar Family Routines
With help from an in-home care giver, families can continue with familiar routines. Oftentimes, the caregiver becomes like part of the family and a valued companion to the senior. If a loved one is having trouble caring for himself or herself but does not want to go to an assisted living facility, in-home care may be the right choice.
Facing the fact that a loved one may no longer be able to remain independent is difficult for all parties involved. For many families, in-home assistance is an ideal option due its mix of professional care and familiar surroundings.
