The majority of people would like to remain at home as long as possible when they get older. The thought of being in a nursing home can be a frightening thought for many, and can be a source of guilt for worried relatives who believe that they have no option.
But the fact that 97% of those say in a poll from 2014 that they would not wish to enter the care facility should they get less able deal with illness or stress as they age it is obvious that there must be an alternative.
Live-in care is an alternative option. Although it may not be suitable for all people – and some may require additional care that a quality residential care facility provides the potential to transform the lives of a lot of others.
Benefits of Live-In Care
The Dedicated Care
The primary benefit of having a live-in caregiver is the individual care that your loved ones will receive. A lot of care workers are specially trained to handle specific conditions like stroke, dementia, MS or Parkinson’s, but living-in care isn’t just about health or age It’s about taking care of the entire person.
The caregiver will be able to get to know your loved one as they learn about their habits and preferences. Small things can be significant. For people with dementia, for example the presence of someone who understands the way they enjoy their tea can make their lives simpler. Live-in caregivers can help handle the ever-changing needs of a person with dementia.
They are in their own home
Many elderly people prefer to remain at home and be surrounded by their belongings and their memories, in a familiar space. This is especially relevant for those with dementia, who have difficulty adjusting to changes. Living-in care providers can give them the possibility of living at home longer with their neighbors and friends nearby.
Peace of Mind
This is a great opportunity that is for you both. You’ll both enjoy the tranquility which comes from knowing that you can count on someone to be there anytime of the day or night, in the event of an emergency. A live-in carer could be a valuable partner, reducing the chance that your beloved feeling lonely.
Maintaining Pets
The majority of nursing and residential homes don’t allow pets, however an elderly pet’s love for a pet is often deep and can be difficult to be able to say goodbye to. The primary responsibility of a live-in caregiver is to take care of the pet, feed it and exercise an animal that is house-trained and docile.
Reducing Falls
The elderly are the highest-risk group of people who fall due to their frailty, medical and age-related conditions that result in six people over 65 in a fall or suffering a fall-related injury every minute.
It’s difficult to visualize what happens after a fall even when you’re healthy and young however for the older the consequences of falling can be very serious. After a month of suffering hip fractures for instance 1 in 10 will die, and that number can rise to a 30 percent mortality within one year.
Research from the Live-In-Care Hub has shown that people who receive the benefits of live-in home care suffer about a third less risk of falling than their nursing home counterparts and a lower risk of hip fractures.
Most falls occur when an older person is confused and/or gets up in the night to go to the bathroom. A live-in caregiver available, both all day and night, can help to avoid any potential accidents. At a minimum living-in care is a guarantee that your loved one will be taken care of at home which is much less traumatizing for them. A long hospital stay is also linked with a rise in deaths.
Life Quality of Life
One of the biggest advantages of living in care is autonomy and dignity, and no restrictions that come to institutionalised healthcare. As we age and become weaker, it’s those little things that become important much, like the quality of the food and beverages we consume.
The new Live-In-Care Hub quality of life study for instance, shows that:
81% of the clients living in their homes interviewed said they have access to everything they want in food and beverages they desire at any time in comparison to 66% who live in residential care, and only 52% of residents living in nursing homes.
99percent of those who live-in care claimed that they have the opportunity to participate in at most some of the activities they enjoy and value, even in the face of frailty and illness. Compare this to 11.6 percent of those in nursing homes that say they never engage in anything that they love in their spare time.
15% of those living in nursing homes complain they aren’t in control of their daily routines. This is the case for 4.6 percent of those who live in residential homes, as well as 3percent of live-in care residents.
Mobility
Despite having the same disabilities and frailties like those who live in nursing homes, residents of live-in carer homes are able to move around much more. About 40 percent (37 percent) of residents who live in nursing or residential facilities never leave the premises as opposed to just 21% of those who have live-in caregivers.
Other benefits of a live-in caregiver can be:
Reduced pressure on yourself and your other family members There is no need to take on the role of your loved one’s caretaker, but you can instead remain a an integral part of your family.
Greater freedom for you: If your loved one is still able to travel, a live-in caregiver could be able to travel with them on their travels, allowing them to continue to travel longer.
Employing a live-in carer could be considerably less expensive than residential care homes for couples and permits couples to remain in close proximity. If your father is suffering from dementia, for example the mother and father might be separated in residential care.
Finding the right person
Like the title suggests the live-in carer will spend lots of time with the person you love. Along with personality match it is important to locate a suitable carer or care team that is well-trained and is able to handle sensitively with your loved ones requirements. This is a daunting job, particularly in the case of a loved one with difficult or complicated medical requirements. It’s good to know that a reputable care provider typically provides caregivers with the appropriate training and experience.
Live-in Care may not be the best option for your loved one
Living-in care is not the ideal option for all. If your father is elderly and has significant health or medical requirements, for instance it could be necessary for him to reside in an facility that is specifically geared to his requirements.
Someone else lives in their Home
Some people are uncomfortable the presence of a stranger within their home. Another person will use their bathroom, kitchen and living room as an example and you or your loved one might feel like they don’t will be able to enjoy privacy. Couples might also find it annoying to have another person within their home.
Not Getting the Advantages of a Residence Home
Many people say they would never like to be in a residential setting These homes are able to provide an increased social circle and allow your loved ones to remain in constant contact with other people. Of the course, a live in care worker could be a valuable friend and aid your loved one to socialize when it’s feasible.
Care Workers Needs
Live-in care workers live with your loved one for a full time but they’ll still require breaks and holidays for time spent with their family members. If you employ the carer through an agency or a full-managed service, they will typically provide the short-term care required. If you find private care for your loved ones then you’ll need to figure out a way to fill in the gaps. In either case, there will be a change in the staff which your family member might find difficult to digest.