Live in Senior Care Anderson South Carolina
Truly, there is no place like home, especially for seniors. On the other hand, elderly care can be a difficult thing to provide for your aging loved ones. Nevertheless, dementia, illnesses, and age-related limitations often force elders to demand assisted living care. Although many families would wish to take care of the elderly themselves, often time and financial resources limit their commitment. As such, many people believe that a nursing home or assisted living is their only option for care.
Well, the good news is that there is an option where the elderly loved one can live in their home while receiving round the clock (Live-In) care. In some cases, you may opt for regularly scheduled care visits from a professional or a loved one. However, when there is a decline in cognitive or physical function demands round the clock care.
This is where Live-in care comes into the picture. However, the million-dollar question is; what is live-in care? Which benefits does it offer? Is it the same service as 24-hour care? Is it the best option for you? If these are just but some of the questions you have; this short document will help you by answering some of them.
What Is The Difference Between Live-In And 24-Hour Care?
To many of us, the terms 24-Hour and Live-in may seem redundant, since they sound or seem to be similar (referring to one and the same thing). The truth is that when it comes to Care Giving services, they totally refer to different kinds of services. Therefore, understanding the difference will help you choose the best option for you and based on your loved one circumstances.
• Live-In Care
Live-In care is a service that generally involves main caregiving work or duties as outlined on the care plan agreement. As such, a caregiver generally works between 4 to 5 days every week offering 24-hour service during this time. However, here is the catch: the caregiver is given 8 hours to sleep through the night. Therefore, with this type of care, a bed must be provided. Besides, the caregiver is given 4-hour break when they are working.
While the caregiver is taking a break, a second caregiver may or may not cover the main caregiver. However, this will generally depend on the condition and needs of the senior and the decision of the family.
The Pros:
Both the caregiver and the senior may build a strong bond only after few scheduled visits. Also, the caregiver becomes familiarized with the senior easily and understands the senior’s routines in order to address their needs and moods. It is important to note that familiarity is especially beneficial to the elderly who has been diagnosed with dementia.
The Cons:
Live-In care is not suitable for seniors who require constant attention that guarantees their well-being and safety.
• 24-Hour Care
24-hour care is more involved and often involves 2 or 3 caregivers who will work an 8 or 12-hour shift with the aim of offering round the clock care. As such, this care is best for those who need constant attention and have higher care needs. Under this type of care service, breaks or sleep is not provided, not unless the family decides to allow a caregiver to sleep.
The Pros:
With this service, the caregiver is always alert and awake and hence look after your loved one all the time. Rotation ensures the caregiver is fresh and ready to address any issue that will arise. This service is best for seniors who wander at night.
The Cons:
Cost is a huge factor compared to Live-In care. This type of service offers less consistency in caregivers. Also, scheduled visits still prevent the isolation experienced by many.
What Is The Best Time To Consider Live-In Care?
It is wise to consider Live-In care when a senior:
• Is relying on assistive equipment
• Sleeps through the night with minimal assistance
• Feeling overwhelmed or isolated while caring for themselves
• When the elderly needs constant attention
• Need assistance eating or drinking
• Accidents related to; inability to make it to the bathroom on their own
• Has increased signs of bruising due to slips and falls
• Is wandering away and within their home
• Decrease in agility
• Has been released from hospital or rehabilitation recently
• Experiences confusion due to dementia
• Family or friend move and was offering care
• Decrease in mobility because of stroke or any other severe condition
Conclusion
Many seniors want to live in their homes for as long as it takes. Furthermore, research has proven that when the elderly live in their own home, it not only improves their health, and relieve stress, but also maintains life enjoyment and creates a sense of belonging. For this reason and others, it is always wise to consider Live-In care for a loved one in need of assistance. 24-Hour or Live-In care can satisfy an elderly’s preferences while still maintaining the comfort of knowing they are safe where they prefer living.