Most people wish to offer the best assistance to their aging loved ones. This desire often presents you with the difficult decision of choosing between family caregiving and a professional caregiver.
There are lots of things to consider when making an informed decision. You'll find all the information you need on both types of senior care below.
What is Professional Home Care?
Professional home care offers respite care for your senior loved one in the comfort of their own home. It is beneficial for caring for an aging person who requires assistance moving around or with specific activities of daily living.
Professional caregiving is customized to meet the needs of each senior. This form of senior care assistance is ideal if you don't want nursing home options.
Top home care providers employ highly trained, paid professionals to offer medical and non-medical senior care. These caregivers are invested in making seniors' lives easier.
They are fully equipped to handle any needs while offering assisted living care. Beyond skilled care, professional home care provides you and your older loved one companionship and help with housekeeping.
What are the Benefits of Professional Home Care?
Choosing to hire professional caregivers offers several advantages for all parties involved. It can be a valuable option for seniors who require support and independence in their own homes. Some of the top benefits include:
- Quality of life: In-home care for your older loved ones can significantly improve your quality of life and theirs. In addition to enabling individuals to continue their daily living activities in a familiar environment, many professional caregivers also offer services like light housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care.
- Specialized care: Your ability to provide non-medical care may not suffice if your aging loved one requires significant assistance. Skilled nursing is better in such cases. If your senior family member is dealing with illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer's, professional caregivers are also better equipped to handle more complicated care tasks.
- Respite care: Family caregivers often feel overwhelmed by the work required to care for an aging adult. Professional care offers a much-needed break, reducing stress and the possibility of burnout.
- Reduced hospitalization: Working with professional caregivers also helps prevent unnecessary hospital stays. They can handle most emergencies your loved one may encounter.
What are the Differences Between Family Caregivers and Professional In-Home Care?
Family caregivers are often driven by an emotional connection and a sense of duty, while personal care aides are driven by professional obligation. They maintain a professional distance, allowing for objective decision-making and reduced emotional stress.
Another core difference between family and professional caregivers is the level of training they undergo. Professionals receive specialized training to provide care. They can also handle complex tasks, medications, and injections.
Professional in-home care services extend beyond just basic chores and activities of daily living (ADLs). They also encompass medication management, emotional support, specialized care for chronic conditions, nutritional guidance, physical therapy, and help with transportation.
A family caregiver's schedule and obligations might interfere with your loved ones' care plans. Professional care provides consistent care, which is excellent for long-term care. The likelihood of your family experiencing caregiver burnout is also significantly reduced because you have professional help.
Should you Choose Professional Home Care over Family Caregiving?
You must consider several factors before deciding if leaving your beloved senior's care needs to a family member or if a professional home care agency is the better choice. It should be chiefly based on individual circumstances. The most important factors to consider include:
1. Existing Health Challenges
Your primary priority should be the health and well-being of your older loved one. If they require special medical care, a professional is the best option. Some seniors require close health monitoring, incontinence care, or IV administration.
A professional caregiver possesses the necessary skills to meet these needs. Family caregivers might be a good choice if you only require a non-medical caregiver.
2. Lifestyle and Activities of the Older Adult
Many seniors are involved in community projects and shared hobbies with friends. This should heavily influence the type of care you pick for them. Their interests and commitments may clash with that of a family caregiver.
Instances like this call for a professional who can plan their schedule to fit with the older adult's life. Depending on how active your loved one is, they may also require frequent transportation for errands or medical checkups.
3. Time and Effort Required
Home caregiving involves caring for an aging person almost around the clock. If the caregiver is a family member, you should carefully check that the demands of caregiving will not cause unbalanced home health.
It's okay to seek the help of a professional care team if you find that your family cannot handle the work alone. Also, consider that a family caregiver might feel uncomfortable administering some important aspects of personal care.
4. Financial Commitment
Getting professional care coordination is excellent, but it doesn't come cheap. Given their dedication and the compassionate and loving care they provide, home care aides deserve excellent pay.
However, if your family cannot handle the cost, family caregivers can learn to care for their loved one. As long as no special nursing care is required, you're good.
Conclusion
The choice between family caregivers and professional caregivers for senior home care boils down to the personal needs of your loved one. It's important to consider all the necessary factors, including those in this article, before deciding for your loved older adult.
You may find that combining both care options works best for your family. Ultimately, your senior care recipient should get all the support and comfort they need in in-home care.
Are you looking for an opportunity to age successfully and gracefully at home? Do you want to maintain your independence, comfort, and confidence that all your care needs are handled for life? Kendal At Home is where you should be. Send us a message to learn more about our services.
