Should You Pick an at Home Nurse or Other Type of Care?
Today, 9 out of 10 seniors are opting to stay in their homes for as long as possible instead of moving to a senior care facility. However, 63% of people who need long-term care are seniors. This leads to a bit of a complicated situation for the loved ones and caretakers of a senior.
How do you make sure they get the care they need while also honoring their wishes?
For some seniors, aging in place is not an option while for others, hiring an at home nurse is all they need. While this decision is not an easy one, there are a few steps you can take to help you make up your mind.
If you are struggling with all the options of senior care, here are a few things you can do to help make your decision.
Talk to Your Loved One
The first thing you want to do is talk to your loved one. Get their input and understand what they want. While you may not be able to fully honor their wishes, knowing what they want will give you a good starting point.
Determine What You Need
For some seniors, home care is all they need, while others may need more specialized help. Conditions like age-related dementia, loss of mobility, and frailty all require a certain level of care. Determine the care you need so you know what your options are.
Research the Level of Care Provided
Once you know what you need, you can research your options to determine what level of care will work the best.
Are there in-home nursing care providers that take care of certain health conditions? Is your loved one safer at an assisted living community? Doing your research will help you answer these questions and make the best choice for your family.
Consider Costs and Insurance Coverage
In general, home nursing care and senior care facilities can be expensive. In some cases, your financial situation and the type of insurance you have may leave you with just one or two options. Consider pricing, insurance coverage, and the type of care you can afford for your loved one.
Make Your Decision
Once you know your loved one’s wishes, what you need, and what you can afford, it’s time to make your decision.
Will a nurse who comes to your home fit all of your criteria? Or maybe the senior care facility is a better option. Carefully consider all of the information before making this important decision.
Use These Tips to Choose an at Home Nurse or Other Care for Your Loved One
Deciding between an at home nurse and another type of senior care is no easy task. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you are making the best decision for your loved one.
Talk to your senior and get their input on the decision. Talk with their doctors, friends, and family in similar situations. Research your options for the level of care you need and compare costs and insurance coverage.
Following these steps will help make this difficult decision a little easier.
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