If you’re the child of an aging parent, you have almost certainly listened to your loved one explain their wish to age at home instead of moving to a nursing home. The fact is, the vast majority of older people want to live in their own homes for as long as possible – for a number of reasons. Home is the environment they’ve lovingly created, so it’s where they are the most comfortable and familiar. Living at home also creates meaning and purpose to one’s life. Something as basic as looking at your possessions, reading the newspaper, or relaxing on the porch are more meaningful at home than in a long-term care facility because it is the home that provides the framework of life. The comforts of home offer a sense of peace and privacy that cannot be replaced.
And yet, many people, regardless of age, are under the false presumption that life in a nursing home or assisted living facility is inevitable for the elderly. Is it really feasible to age safely and independently with the help of home care services? Actually, in-home care services can be a long-term, practical solution for many. Continuing to live at home offers not only the pleasure of familiar surroundings and independence from rigid routines, but according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, home care can be a much more affordable option as well.
How Do I Know if My Parents Can Age at Home Safely?
To decide if someone you love could benefit from the support of a skilled caregiver as an alternative to making the major decision to sell their home and move into a nursing home or assisted living facility, pay attention to the degree of functioning in the following two areas:
- Activities of Daily Living: These activities are essential to caring for oneself, such as taking a bath, putting on clothes, getting up out of a bed or a chair, using the bathroom, eating and walking.
- Activities to Maintain Independence: These are activities that include planning and preparing meals, managing money (writing checks, paying bills), shopping for groceries or personal items, keeping up a residence/taking care of housekeeping, taking medications, using a telephone, taking care of mail, and traveling by way of car or public transportation.
Are home care services an option for your older loved one? As the top provider of in-home care in Mandan, Fargo, and Lincoln, ND, the experts at Dakota Home Care can help you identify your senior care options. Our experienced and exceptionally qualified caregivers provide you with an alternative to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Reach out to us today at (877) 691-0015 to learn more.