Senior care has changed drastically over the last few months. COVID-19 has made everyone rethink what care should look if it is going to help people as much as it should. Nursing homes were hit especially hard by the coronavirus, with a large number of seniors passing away from the disease located in one of these residencies. It’s clear that the current model needs to change.
What’s unfortunate is that care is often needed in a hurry. An accident or sudden diagnosis can make senior care an urgent matter. But rushed decisions aren’t always the best choice. And even things that are as major as senior care are don’t necessarily need to be permanent. If you’re unhappy with the care that a loved one is receiving, you can always make changes. Sometimes, avoiding the nursing home altogether can make these changes a lot easier as you adapt the care that a loved one receives to meet their needs–all while freedom is maintained.
Ultimately, care will look different for each individual. And this makes sense, right? My needs are not the same as yours, and your elderly parent’s needs are not likely to be the same as mine. Care, as a result of this, should be different in each situation to account for these differences.
The number one change that needs to happen for care to occur in the home is that families need to consider this as an option. For too long nursing homes have been the go-to choice, even when it’s not the best choice. This mentality needs to change in order for care dynamics to change.
This is where in-home care shines. Because care is typically received in a one on one fashion under this model, adjustments are easy to make. The individual’s unique situation can more easily be taken into account and their personality can help to make care a very individualized experience. This can be far more beneficial for someone than a cookiecutter approach, like what you would experience in a lot of institutionalized settings.
A lot of times, nursing homes don’t adequately meet the needs of a person simply because they cannot deliver the same one on one level of care that could be received in other circumstances. Basics can be touched upon in these settings. Medical care is often easier to deliver. But social and emotional needs often take a backseat as a result. There is a time and a place for using a nursing home. But this is certainly not an easy decision to make. Take time to look over all of your options before finalizing on something.
Choice is important because care is complex. Start with what you know your family needs regarding care, and then work your way down your list from there. Having choices and alternatives is the best way to find exactly what you’re looking for. We’re all different, and care needs to take that into account.
Not sure where to start? We can help you get started with our free consultation. From there, we can help get you pointed in the right direction, regardless of what your situation might look like.
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