The idea of live in companionship is attractive to many aging families caring for aging, disabled, or sick elderly loved ones since they provide an option to long-term nursing homes or assisted living facilities by giving virtually overnight or day-round care in the patient’s own private home. However, in order to provide companion care effectively, it’s necessary to know the needs of the patient, which often differs from those of elderly relatives. For that reason, companion services are often provided by live-in aids or live-in care agencies. This article explores how companion services work, what they entail, how they cost, Medicare & Medicaid benefits, and various other factors which must be considered before choosing a companion service.
Although they’re sometimes inconvenient, live in companion care services can be a great option for seniors who have difficulty staying independent. They allow seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving help with daily activities, exercise, grooming, errands, meals, shopping, and more. And they’re usually much less expensive than living in nursing homes. There are several companion care services available, including long-term care retirement communities, home care, in-home care, and more. Some focus on providing medical assistance, while others provide services such as housekeeping and personal hygiene assistance; however, all offer the important services of companionship, allowing seniors to maintain their dignity and live as independently as possible. Although companion care services can be quite expensive, you may be surprised at the quality of care and services you receive, along with the added peace of mind it provides.
Whether you’re hiring a live-in caregiver or signing up for Medicaid or Medicare, you can choose a variety of options to suit your own needs. Some live-in caregivers are paid on a monthly basis, while others are paid hourly. Others simply come in on a scheduled day and stay with the client until the next scheduled visit. Regardless, of whether you choose a live-in caregiver, Medicaid or Medicare, an in-home care option is available that will make your senior citizens comfortable, healthy, and well cared for.
Assisted living facilities are not new. In fact, reverse mortgages were first introduced in 2004, specifically designed for assisted living and health care. Reverse mortgages work like a regular mortgage but instead of making payments to the lender, they are paid directly to the client, instead. As with any loan, there is a certain amount of risk for the provider and the investor. That’s why reverse mortgages aren’t a good choice for all kinds of caregiving scenarios.
However, the benefits of assisted living and reverse mortgages are clear. Seniors have the comfort and freedom of being in their own surroundings, they have access to medical care in case of an emergency, they can save for their retirement and live independently, and they can maintain contact with their caregivers even if they can’t be there physically. These benefits are especially appealing to elderly loved ones who have lost their ability to care for themselves and are living with a skilled caregiver.
There are drawbacks, as well. One major drawback is that while the loved one is in the facility, he or she is there by choice. If the caregiver is incompetent or abusive, he or she could find himself or herself in a situation where he or she is forced to leave the facility and might never be able to return. This would be a terrible shame for an elderly loved one that has spent many years caring for an elderly family member or other adult who needs care.
The second option for live-in care is an in home care aide. The primary duty of this caregiver is to watch over the senior, often while the senior is in a hospital or other medical facility. The aide generally works under the supervision of the in home caregiver. Because this arrangement offers very little independence, it is less desirable than an in home care program. Also, this arrangement involves more work for the caregiver, since he or she must keep track of various assignments and communications between the senior and the aides. This arrangement does have the potential to save money, but the cost of hiring and keeping an aide on the staff can be quite high, especially for smaller families.
Assisted living isn’t for everyone, and it is important to consider all of the pros and cons before signing up. In some cases, it may be preferable to have the loved one in the comfort and security of his or her own home, rather than being placed in a nursing facility. However, there are many circumstances in which the use of a caregiver may be the most practical and beneficial. For those situations, a skilled and experienced caregiver may be the best option for a loved one who wishes to have a little or no contact with the general population.