When a loved one has support needs, it can lead to a lot of very difficult conversations. Some of the hardest issues to address are if, and when, to look beyond the family for additional assistance. But putting off these concerns won’t improve things, and may keep you and your loved one from getting the relief you deserve.
Should We Use 24 Hour Home Care?
Before anything else, it’s important to determine whether round-the-clock home care is something you actually need. If you’re reading this, the answer is likely “yes,” but coming to a definite conclusion is important for at least one reason:
Admitting that you need help to provide adequate support to a loved one can alleviate much of the emotional burden you carry.
It’s easy to feel as though we’re failing the one we’re caring for, even if the only “mistake” we’ve made is needing help. In other words, the same way an elderly family member may believe they are a burden, that they should just do it themselves, and that they are in some way diminished by their limitations…those who care for them might also feel that they are incompetent, incapable, and inconsiderate for wishing they had someone that could lighten the load.
There are no clear-cut answers here. At least, none that anyone but you could provide. But if you’re finding it virtually impossible to ensure their safety, or to balance their care with your other obligations, or if you feel as if there is never any relief from the responsibility, it’s probably time to consider alternative options.
In many cases like these, the optimal solution is 24 hour care.
What is 24 Hour Home Care?
One common hesitation that caregivers experience about home care is this: if you’ve never seen it before, you probably don’t know what it entails. And whenever something is an unknown variable like that, it can be difficult to commit to it (or even consider it as an option).
So, let’s quickly break down the basics of 24-hour home care.
Types of Services Offered in 24 Hour Care
There are at least two kinds of all-day in home care. The first is live in care. In this arrangement, a single professional caregiver resides in the home with the client full-time. They reside in a private bedroom on the premises, offering care services for the client throughout the day, and resting in their assigned bedroom at night.
The other option is known as 24/7 care. This approach breaks the day into two 12-hour shifts, with caregivers rotating out on a schedule. Similar to how nursing staff care for patients in a hospital, these caregivers don’t reside on-premises, and the overnight care provider is awake through the shift (rather than sleeping when the client does).
Additionally, we should add that there are a number of options for in home care that aren’t around-the-clock. Depending on the arrangement, caregivers may—for example—spend eight hours a day caring for the client, while family members look after them once the caregiver leaves.
You may be in a situation where all-day care is necessary, or you may just need additional support for part of the day, so you can rest, meet other obligations, or otherwise spend your time elsewhere without worrying for your loved one’s safety.
Training and Qualifications of Providers
Caregiving in this context falls under the purview of healthcare professions, and as such, most places have strict regulations that determine qualifications, certification requirements, and more. Those regulations vary from place to place, and in some cases dictate what kind of care can be provided (in California, live-in care is not permissible by law).
And while it may be possible to find caregivers who are not licensed, and likely charge less as a result, knowing that the caregivers are properly trained and can be held accountable for oversight or negligence are among the most important reasons to use at-home care in the first place.
Who Stands to Benefit from 24/7 Home Care?
A loved one will probably benefit from the 24/7 care option if they struggle with ADLs, are unable to get out of bed, struggle with sleepwalking/confusion/memory concerns, or otherwise find themselves requiring support to handle daily tasks and personal needs.
What’s more, family members who currently provide care also stand to benefit, especially if they are experiencing burnout, sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, or psychological distress as a result of their present responsibilities.
How to Choose the Right Provider
While this is by no means a comprehensive list, below are a few critical factors to keep in mind as you search for a home care provider.
Costs and Payment Options for 24 Hour Care
For many families, the deciding factor for whether or not they’ll be hiring home care providers is cost. Salaries vary by location, but the nationwide average for a home health aid is $33 an hour. A home care agency will usually be priced higher than a private caregiver, but hiring without an agency also leaves you the burden of handling financial details like taxes, overtime, etc.
Your health insurance provider may cover some of the costs if you have access to long term care insurance, or they may be able to point you toward resources that can help ease the financial burden.
Ensuring Quality and Safety in Round-the-Clock Care
While there will always be risks involved when receiving healthcare services, choosing a certified provider will help minimize the risks of negligence, malpractice, etc. Finding a reputable agency is an approach we recommend, as is asking for referrals.
Friends and family, local hospitals and nursing facilities, third-party referral sites, and even your insurance provider may be able to provide leads in this regard.
Finally, researching a provider you’re considering is always a good idea. Check reviews of previous clients, reference the state licensing board to ensure their credentials are valid, and otherwise collect social proof that the provider is one you can trust.
What Does 24/7 Home Care Mean for Me?
If you’ve been providing care and support to an elderly family member, but are ready to bring in a professional caregiver, you might be wondering where that leaves you when the providers arrive. Rest assured, you still have an important role to play in your loved one’s care.
With the responsibilities of assisting them in basic need handed off to the caregiver, you can redistribute your energies and efforts to other priorities. This will enable you to address concerns that may have taken a backseat for a while, and to fulfill obligations that were probably weighing heavily on you.
You’ll also be able to give yourself room to rest. This is important, as renewing your mental and emotional reserves will allow you to provide better emotional support to your loved one. Realistically, these are circumstances with a time limit, and overwhelming stress will prevent everyone involved from cherishing the time you have available.
