When considering professional home care for a senior loved one, family caregivers may have to sift through an overwhelming amount of information, making it difficult to know what is true and what isn’t. Where could family caregivers and seniors turn to decipher fact from fiction?
“We’ve been helping Canadian seniors age happily at home for over 50 years, and we’ve heard every story imaginable when it comes to professional care at home”, says Jodi Marrin, Director of Marketing at Bayshore HealthCare. “We’ve created a list of common home care myths to help seniors and family caregivers as they start their home care research.”
Myth 1: A family member is the best person to care for an aging loved one.
While aging seniors can always benefit from the love and help of a family member, professional caregivers can help fill in the gaps left by limited availability and burnout. Members of the sandwich generation are faced with the unique challenge of caring for aging parents with children still living at home. Many family caregivers will find that a little extra help from professional caregivers can offer them peace of mind, knowing their aging loved one is in capable hands.
Myth 2: Home care is only for people who are sick.
Seniors who are still in good health and have few challenges around the house may find that aging at home is the best option for them. Professional caregivers can help out with meal prep, shopping, housekeeping, and more. Seniors can build a meaningful connection with their caregiver all while enjoying the security of an extra helping hand.
Myth 3: Introducing home care means an aging loved one will lose their independence.
In reality, in-home care enables independence and freedom for both seniors and their loved ones. With trusted assistance for housekeeping tasks, seniors can live confidently with more time and energy to focus on hobbies, community activities and grandchildren. Professional care providers can also assist seniors with medication reminders, wound care and other healthcare needs.
Myth 4: Home care isn’t meant to be a long-term solution.
Home care services are designed to assist seniors in the long term. For immediate help after a surgery or hospitalization, professional caregivers can assist with the transition home from the hospital. If a senior becomes ill or suffers an injury, nurses can step in to help with the healing process at home, and can even assess the home for the risk of falls, further ensuring long-term safety. Home care providers can assist seniors through every stage of aging, including end of life and palliative care.
Myth 5: Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s aren’t good candidates for home care.
Seniors who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s can be cared for at home. Many home care providers have specially trained caregivers to care for those diagnosed with dementia, offering peace of mind to family caregivers. Seniors living with dementia can have an engaging and fulfilling life, especially at home with the right care and support. The addition of professional home care can ease the impact of the disease on seniors and their loved ones.
