It’s difficult to decide when providing care for a senior loved one. The situation becomes even more complicated when the family can’t choose whether to assign members as caregivers or hire a senior care provider. So when is it best for families to act as caregivers? When is it time to hire an in-home caregiver? Below are the factors that can help you.
1. Availability
Are all family members available to provide care? Or is someone willing to be the family caregiver? You’ve got no problem then. You can choose family caregiving. However, if everyone has their own family and work to attend to, it is best to hire an in-home caregiver. Senior care requires focus, particularly when they have health issues.
2. Experience
Opting for a family caregiver or caregivers is possible if companionship is the only issue the family has to deal with. However, if there are other concerns, such as mobility, safety, and medical assistance, it would be best to hire an in-home caregiver. They have the skills and experience needed by the senior. In addition, they can create and follow a care plan that would accommodate the patient’s specific requirements. As a family, however, you must be part of the care management team, so you are assured that they get what they need.
3. Caregiver Stress
Suppose you are currently the family caregiver and are already experiencing burnout because nobody is willing or available to share responsibilities. In that case, you do not have to think too hard. Hire an in-home caregiver! Suppose it’s already affecting your health, family, finances and/or work. In that case, the best thing to do is find a caregiver who can provide full-time, hourly, or respite care, whichever works best for you.
4. Medical Assistance
You usually do housekeeping, cook meals, run errands, and other tasks. So, if those are the only care requirements, you can opt for a family member or members to be the caregivers. However, suppose the senior has mobility issues, dementia or other health concerns that require medical assistance from an experienced caregiver. In that case, you must hire an in-home caregiver.
It is best to hire an in-home caregiver instead of opting to be a family caregiver. You may suffer from exhaustion if you already have too many responsibilities in your hand. It would take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It would also affect the quality of senior care that you can provide. Instead, let an experienced in-home caregiver give the care that your senior loved one needs. Contact us today.
