Many elderly individuals will reach the point in their lives where they will require some form of care and assistance to live a safe, healthy life at home. While the option to move out of their home and into an assisted living facility remains, many seniors want to stay within the comfortable, familiar environment of their own residence. In such a case, elderly individuals can receive essential care from a loved one — if they have the means to — or from a professional caregiver.
Some seniors will only need part-time help at home, so it may be plausible for one of their relatives to provide that care. Other seniors will need full-time care, so they may look to receive that care from a professional. However, certain seniors have conditions that necessitate near constant or 24/7 home care. In such a situation, elderly individuals in need can get specialized care services at home from a live-in caregiver.
It can be tough to know whether a live-in caregiver is the right option for your elderly loved one. Continue reading to learn more about live-in care services and what they entail to get a better idea of whether a live-in caregiver is what your elderly relative needs.
What is Live-In Care?
Live-in care refers to the care and assistance provided by a caregiver who lives at the client’s home. The caregiver is provided their own private space at the client’s residence to sleep and store their belongings.
Throughout the day, the caregiver will provide help as needed. During the night, however, the caregiver will be asleep. They will assist seniors with tasks like nighttime restroom use and emergencies, but the caregiver otherwise needs rest to ensure they have the energy to provide quality care the following day.
What Does a Live-In Caregiver Do?
Live-in caregivers help with personal care tasks, activities of daily living, and other non-medical activities unless otherwise licensed and certified to provide medical care. They can handle daily meal preparation, help clients get dressed and ready for the day, perform light housekeeping tasks, provide medication reminders, help with errands, provide transportation to appointments and events, and more.
In addition, live-in caregivers also double as companions, socializing with and getting to know their clients to develop a personal relationship with them.
What is the Difference Between Live-In Care and 24-Hour Home Care?
Often, the terms “live-in care” and “24-hour home care” are used interchangeably. However, the two types of care are not the same.
With live-in care services, caregivers provide care during the day and then sleep during the night, living at the client’s home for several days at a time.
With 24-hour home care services, caregivers do not live at the client’s home nor do they have to take time to rest during their shift. Instead, clients receive 24/7 home care. 24/7 home caregivers alternate shifts with one another so that they are awake, alert, and available to help clients no matter the time of the day. This means elderly individuals will always have a caregiver up and ready to help with whatever needs may arise.
What are the Benefits of Live-In Care?
Not only does live-in care allow seniors to remain within the comfortable and familiar environment of their own home, but it also ensures that they get the help they need any time throughout the day. Because seniors always have their caregiver with them, families do not need to be as concerned about their elderly loved one’s well-being.
Furthermore, live-in services can be especially helpful for seniors who need assistance throughout the day and occasional help during the night, not 24/7 home care. It is not necessary for them to have a caregiver awake throughout the night, but there are certain situations when seniors may need help at night.
More specifically, live-in care services have proven to be beneficial for elderly individuals who live alone, recently lost their spouse, or are coming home following a hospital stay.
Live-in care also allows clients and caregivers to create a stronger bond and form a better relationship with one another.
Professional Live-In Care Services from Assisting Hands
If you have an elderly loved one who could benefit from a professional live-in caregiver, then Assisting Hands Home Care can help.
At Assisting Hands, we offer live-in care services in Matteson, Frankfort, and Mokena, IL, to help out elderly individuals who need constant supervision. Our professional live-in caregivers have the proper training and licensing to provide seniors with quality home care services. We can provide help with personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping among other activities.
All of our care plans are customized to meet the client’s unique care needs, so you can trust that your elderly loved one is receiving the home care they need.
Source:https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/live-in-caregiver