Home Care Services
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

It is natural for most individuals to want to stay at home once they start ageing. They find comfort in the familiar when their health starts deteriorating and mobility is limited. Their homes are filled with precious memories and their neighborhoods with familiar people. However, sometimes looking at the bigger picture, can help them with deciding if it is the right choice to stay at home long-term. It happens often that the decision to leave home had to be made unexpectedly after a sudden health crisis or loss which makes the adjustment all the more difficult and painful. Advance planning and assessing home care options available can make it much easier to decide which choice would be the perfect one for both the elderly person in question and their family. No two persons have similar needs, and it all depends on factors such as:
  • The present support system in place.
  • The person’s general mobility and health.
  • The person’s financial situation.
Here are probable issues to think about when assessing whether a person can age in place or must consider home care choices. 

Accessibility and Location

Where is the person’s house situated? Do they live in a suburban or rural location that necessitates a lot of driving? Also consider:
  • If they have access to safe public transit.
  • How much effort and time goes into visiting the doctor or doing shopping.
  • Proximity to community activities and services.

Home Maintenance And Accessibility

Does the home have a steep hill or numerous steps to gain access to the home? Can the home be easily modified? Is there a large yard that requires maintenance?

Medical Conditions

If the person or both him and his spouse suffer from chronic medical conditions, it could become worse over time. In such an instance, they might benefit from home care assistance for a few hours a day while other might require 24 hour live in care. 

Support Presently Available

Does the person have family or friends closeby? How involved are such persons? Will they be able to offer support when the need arises? Many elderly adults prefer the assistance of family, however when their requirements escalate, they might not be able to fill in every gap. Care giving can be emotionally and physically draining, particularly if it falls mainly on one person like a child or spouse. It can be helpful to lift some of the weight off them and obtain additional help.

Isolation

If it becomes problematic or close to impossible to leave the home without assistance, isolation can start setting in. The person might not be able to engage in hobbies they once enjoyed. Try to keep the m motivated by involving them in community service or visit them frequently.

Finances

Draft a budget that include all the anticipated expenses which can help you with weighting the advantages and disadvantages of the situation. Other arrangements such as assisted living can be pricey, however, home care services could also add up quickly, especially for high care situations or 24-hour live-in options.