Help with Aging in Place
As the Baby Boomer generation grows older, and the aging population increases, more and more older people are opting to stay in their own homes, embracing their independence. It is perfectly understandable to want to age at home, but realistically, doing so requires some help. As people get older, they typically need extra support to remain at home. A family member may step up to help, but enlisting the help of a home care provider is a practical solution and gives the family caregiver some respite. Unfortunately, many families who would benefit from partnering with a home care service often dismiss the idea because of misconceptions about what homecare entails and what to expect. Here, we dispel some of these myths to help you make an informed decision about homecare.
Five Myths and The Facts
- Myth: You cannot get the same care at home as you can in assisted living. The truth is that, while a good professional institution will have bells and whistles like around the clock care and meal services, homecare is tailored to meet your needs. The personalized attention and support an older person receives from in home care providers is in tune with the needs of the individual and the family.
- Myth: Homecare is only for the disabled and chronically ill. While homecare can support people with serious, chronic conditions, it is also beneficial for those who are recovering from an acute illness, surgery, or injury. Home healthcare is often recommended to smooth the transition for those being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility. One of the benefits of in-home healthcare is that caregivers can handle tasks like managing medications and providing occupational and physical therapy. With some temporary help from homecare, an older person recovering from an accident or illness can heal and regain strength.
- Myth: There is no need to hire a home caregiver if a family caregiver is available. In truth, while a family member willing and able to help is a blessing for the care receiver, it can also be a strain on the caregiver. Often, people taking care of an aging loved one have myriad additional responsibilities. Partnering with a homecare provider can give a family caregiver the time and space to handle other tasks or get a well-deserved break, secure in the knowledge that the right care is still being provided.
- Myth: Homecare is only helpful for those with certain needs. Some people think homecare is only for people who need around the clock care, while others think it is just adult babysitting during the day. Neither is true, because home care is customized to meet the needs of each client. For those who need care 24 hours a day, full time care can be provided. On the other hand, if the needs are low to moderate, perhaps just help with running errands or managing medications, or the care is only needed part time, those needs can be accommodated as well.
- Myth: You can’t be sure you can trust in-home caregivers. It’s understandable for family members to worry when they allow new people into their loved one’s home. However, when you work with a reputable home care agency, you can be sure that the home health providers who work with your loved one will be thoroughly screened and well-trained. A good agency wants to provide safe, effective care for their clients, and most home health care providers are not just trustworthy but are also dedicated to their work. Home caregivers do more than provide assistance; most work to build relationships with their patients so that they can offer a level of comfort and connection that promotes healing.
Contact BrightStar if You Need Help
Whether you are a senior contemplating aging in place or a family caregiver who needs some help, it is a smart move to partner with an agency that has a reputation for high standards and excellence in caregiving. At BrightStar Care® of Chico, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services, customized to meet our clients’ unique needs. We strive to provide high-quality, compassionate care and unparalleled support for the local healthcare system, working to strengthen the community and make our clients’ best lives possible. From our caregivers to our office team and staff, we’re all committed to providing our customers with the care and support they need and deserve. We’ve earned a reputation for excellence, and we’ve been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, both as part of a national home care brand and as a local company. We are proud to offer Home Care and Support for the elderly, including 24 hour in-home care, as well as support for residents of independent and assisted living communities, at all levels of senior care. Additionally, we provide Medical Staffing and Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients, Home Child Care, Sitter, and Nanny Services for children and Support for New Mothers. We also support Veterans and those with special needs, providing transportation for disabled drivers and helping to monitor seniors for out of town family members. To learn more about the extensive services we offer and how we can be there for you and your loved ones, call us at (530) 332-9699 or contact us through our website.
