Recognizing that your parent or loved one is having difficulty caring for themselves can be a very difficult realization. This is especially difficult if you live farther away from your parent than what may be considered convenient, or if you work difficult hours that are hard to keep up with, or have children at home who require their own care and attention.

As the demands of a parent or loved one increases, you may not always be able to offer the assistance they really need. It is important to be able to recognize when this time comes and start scheduling more regular visits from caregivers or other nearby family members who are able to attend to some of those needs. As this occurs, it is also imperative that you have a plan in place if any further physical or mental declines take place and you end up needing round-the-clock care.

When it comes down to it, assisted living facilities or retirement homes aren’t your only option. It really is possible that your loved one can age in place in their own homes with a 24-hour caregiver. There are also pros, cons, and differences between 24-hour care and home care. This post will cover all of these topics and more, so please read on!

Signs That Your Loved One May Need In-Home Care

Most seniors prefer to live in their own homes for as many years as they can. According to the AARP, studies show that almost 90 percent of seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older, and an overwhelming 82% prefer to stay in their home when they receive daily assistance. Twenty-four hour care is able to satisfy these needs so that you have peace of mind with the knowledge that your loved one is safe and comfortable exactly where they want to be. What signs should you be looking for so that you know when your loved one may need home care or 24-hour care?

Support, family, and friends have moved away and there is a decrease in social activity
Decreased mobility because of a stroke or chronic condition
A move from rehab or the hospital where doctors tell you that more care will need to be provided
Needing assistance when it comes to eating and drinking
Complaints of feeling isolated or overwhelmed when it comes to caring for themselves
Confusion or wandering away from home due to dementia or other cognitive issues
A significant reliance on assistive equipment, or an increase in signs like bruising that indicate falls or trips

The Differences Between Home Care and 24-Hour Care

Often you may find the definition between home care and 24-hour care slightly confusing, however, there are differences. Let us explain:

Home Care: With this type of care providers come to the home during the day or night to preform specific duties that are outlined in the individualized care plan. You may have a couple of different caregivers who come in during different times of the week, and these providers may be there from a few hours to most of the day depending on the needs of the patient. The benefits of this type of care is that your loved one may feel more independent if they have periods of time during the day or night when they have time alone or are able to do things for themselves. The drawbacks include periods of time where your loved one may not have someone present if they need help.

24-Hour Care: With this type of care, usually 2 or more caregivers rotate shifts to ensure that someone is always awake and available all day and all night in order to help the client with whatever assistance they are needing at any time. The benefits of this type of care can include someone who is alert and able to prevent wandering or falls no matter the time of day. The drawbacks can include higher costs and less consistency in caregivers.

How Do I Know Whether My Loved One Needs Home Care or 24-Hour Care?

If your loved one is able to sleep through the majority of the night without much assistance and doesn’t require constant attention, then home care is probably the appropriate choice. If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s who wanders frequently or poses a threat to themselves, then you may be needing a care plan that more aligns with 24-hour care.

Don’t forget that Homewatch CareGivers of Ellicott City is here for you. It is always a privilege to provide our clients with compassionate and professional assistance. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have more questions or keep browsing our website for more information.