In New York alone, there are 3.2 million residents aged over 65. This puts into perspective the growing need for dependable and affordable elderly care services. Are you looking for suitable care for your elderly parents or family members? Understandably, it can feel quite overwhelming at first if you’ve never had a similar responsibility.
Ideally, the caregiving arrangement should suit health and lifestyle needs and budget restraints as well. In this post, we’re sharing the major factors you should consider for choosing the right care for your elderly loved ones.
1. Ask Your Elderly Loved One
It’s important to include your elderly loved one in the conversation. After all, the care is for them. Have a proper sit-down to decide what kind of care would be best suited for them.
2. Understand Their Needs
Sometimes, people are reluctant to trust a complete stranger to take care of them. If your elderly parent is unwilling to hire a caregiver, they should take a look at a Medicaid-funded program called CDPAP. This program allows them to hire their own caregiver, which can be a friend or a relative. To learn more about CDPAP check out FreedomCare.
3. Short-Term or Long -Term Care
Did your loved one just had a major operation but otherwise is in perfect health? Or is your elderly family member showing signs pointing towards dementia? Both of these situations will require different kinds of care. For the former, a short-term arrangement would be ideal. On the other hand, you should research long-term care for the latter.
4. At-Home Vs. Assisted Living
Assisted living or nursing homes are designed for people who can no longer or don’t want to live independently. Whether your loved one is showing severe cognitive impairment or requires daily nursing, a senior housing center would be ideal.
But, if your loved one needs help only a couple of times a week or doesn’t need specialized medical care, then at-home care is a fitting choice.
5. Ask For Recommendations
Looking at the growing senior citizen population, it’s likely that some of your friends or family have already researched and hired caregivers for their loved ones. This is one of the most reliable sources for recommendations. So, talk to them and discuss your needs to learn more about caregiving options in your community.
6. Budget Constraints
Not everyone has the means to hire round the clock caregivers. It’s possible that you have a family to support, along with taking care of your elderly family members.
But don’t worry. Even if you’re working with a tight budget, there is affordable care available. You can explore options, such as informal caregivers and adult daycare centers.
7. Interview Caregivers
If you’re planning to hire at-home caregivers, it’s crucial to interview them in person. Talk about their experience in caregiving and qualification. A person can seem perfect on paper but might not be the right fit. The process of finding an appropriate elderly caregiver takes time, so don’t rush it.
8. Cross-Check References
Make sure you cross-check references provided by an at-home caregiver or senior homes. An at-home caregiver should be experienced and licensed. Also, get a criminal background check.
9. Look for Red Flags
Were there reports of abuse or neglect for a particular nursing home? Look out for such red flags. You can easily find such details through Internet research.
10. Visit Often
As soon as you choose a nursing home or caregiver, visit regularly to make sure everything is going smoothly. Also, ask questions about their medication, changes in daily routine, and any growing health concerns.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of elderly family members can be stressful and time-consuming. However, by hiring the right help, you can provide them the care they need without exerting yourself.
Reply