Have you discussed your retirement plans with your children and other family members? Have you also discussed the possibility that you may eventually want or need in-home assistance or long-term care? If you haven’t discussed these and other important matters with your spouse, children, or extended family, you may want to consider doing so now.
Underestimating the Need for Long-Term Care
In general, people tend to underestimate the possibility that they will need long-term care. Age Wave, in fact, states that people tend to vastly underestimate the future need for some level of care. While a recent survey showed that 37% of adults in the 50+ age bracket believe they may need long-term care, 70% is closer to the reality.
When it comes to having a discussion about critical long-term care issues, however, over 90% of a recent survey’s participants stated that they hadn’t broached this topic. While their reasons for not discussing these issues with a spouse, partner, adult children, or aging parents will vary, it is important for people to do so. In addition to ensuring that family are aware of a person’s wishes, it can also assist with maintaining open and honest communication.
What In-Home Care Can Provide
It’s important to note that in-home care services aren’t only beneficial for elderly or disabled persons. In-home care can also be provided for post-surgical assistance, medical monitoring, shopping, and other daily outings. A certified caregiver can provide companionship, assist with light-housekeeping, prepare meals, and help with bathing and dressing.
When individuals receive in-home support services, a recent study showed that they don’t need to visit the doctor as often. A recent survey showed that there were 25% fewer doctor visits needed for individuals with in-home care. Furthermore, when these individuals also had Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, they visited their physician 50% less.
The Types of Clients Receiving In-Home Care Services
Most elderly people prefer being as independent as possible. This includes being able to remain in their homes within familiar surroundings. As a result, and with the help of in-home assistance, 80% are able to live in a private home rather than an institution. This can make a significant difference with their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
A Home Instead Senior Care survey was conducted with a segment of home care professionals. The results of this survey showed that the clients receiving these services had the following issues:
- Mobility issues: 61%
- Muscle weakness, slow walking, and exhaustion: 48%
- Some form of dementia: 43%
- Alzheimer’s disease: 29%
- Stroke after-effects: 22%
Concerns About Insurance Coverage
Before you discuss these matters with your family, you may want to determine what your insurance will cover. After this, you will be better informed as to whether or not there will be any additional costs. Once you have this information, you will also be better prepared to meet with the staff at a home care assistance company.
Whether you’re currently considering in-home services for yourself or a loved one, such a spouse or your parents, a local home care assistance company will assist you with determining what services may be needed as well. Senior home care specialists and other certified caregivers are available through a home care assistance company to meet your and your family’s needs.