Home health care is one of the fastest growing elder-care methods in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2014 there were over 12,000 home health care agencies in the United States and that number is increasing rapidly. If you or a loved one wants to explore the home health care option, be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and drawbacks of this elder care solution:
The Pros of Home Health Care
- Seniors are able to maintain as much independence as possible. Home health care is tailored based on the client’s needs, giving them a chance to do for themselves as much or as little as they feel capable of doing.
- Seniors can stay in their own homes. Many seniors want this option because it allows them to stay in the home that they know and love. There is even evidence that this can benefit seniors in the long run as they aren’t exposed to foreign germs that they would be in a nursing home or other facility. Additionally, it lowers the amount of stress and depression a senior client experiences when they can stay in the environment that they know.
- It can be cheaper than other care methods. Depending on the kind of care that your loved one needs and how often they need that care, home health care could actually end up being the less expensive option. It’s important to price out these services and verify what amount, if any, that your insurance or Medicaid plan will cover.
The Cons of Home Health Care
- It may not last forever. Home health care can provide extensive medical care for a senior, including overnights and 24-hour care. However, not all services will provide these options. If your loved one’s condition gets worse, you may have to move them into a facility.
- It can make a later move harder. Once seniors feel that they are able to care for themselves with just a little additional help at home, they may find it difficult to make a move later on if it become necessary. Letting them know that the arrangement will need to be re-evaluated periodically may help prepare them for the change.
- It could be a more expensive option. Check your quotes carefully; you’ll want to compare both the price as well as they services that they offer. You don’t want to choose home health care because it’s less expensive and then discover that you have to pay more for the actual services that you need.
Weigh the pros and cons of home health care carefully when choosing the elder care option that’s right for you and your loved ones. If you need help finding the option that’s right for you, whether that’s home health care or something else entirely, Senior Living Placement can help. We offer free placement services and help from experienced, compassionate team members dedicated to helping you find the agency that’s right for you. Call us today at 800-652-0468 or contact us through our website today.