Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
My mom has been in great health until recently. She is 81 and I see her decline, and I recognize she needs an extra set of eyes on her. I still work full-time and cannot afford to retire right now to care for her. Someone told me to check into adult day care, but quite frankly, I never heard of that before. Can you explain the difference between day care and home care options?
I’ve said it many times, but caregivers often need to have additional assistance when providing senior care for a family member or friend. In your case, with the change in your mom’s health, you are entering new territory. When evaluating options for senior care, there are things to consider when choosing between Adult Day Care Centers and Home Care. Each provides a specific service and environment in care alternatives. Here is an explanation that might help you out.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care centers offer activities and care for seniors, along with socialization with other seniors they cannot get at home. Remember that seniors attending adult day cares must be mobile, whether with help from walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
Home Care
If the person you care for is neither willing nor able to attend adult day care, home care may be the next option to look at. With home care you have a say in how the person is cared for. Services include things such as help with hygiene, taking medication, dieting, housekeeping, errands, and more.
The benefit of the home care option is that your loved one would be receiving individualized care and attention. Trained caregivers work at your loved one’s pace and schedule. For example, if your loved one is an early riser, a caregiver can get started early too. If your loved one wants to sleep till 9:30 a.m. and shower at 10, their caregiver will work at a pace that is comfortable for your loved one. If your mom only desires social interaction but perhaps isn’t interested in adult day care options, a home caregiver can also provide individual joyful companionship. Activities may range from cards and game playing to organizing photos to individual outings away from home. Options for in-home care can vary in terms of service, such as hourly rates, live-in, sleep over, mornings, midday, and evenings, temporary or long term, weekends and holidays.
Being a caregiver is a tremendous responsibility. I am glad to see that you are doing your homework and trying to make arrangements that will suit your mother’s needs in the best way. This is one responsibility you don’t have to handle alone. Evaluate your needs and what you want out of a senior care provider. Ask your physicians for senior care referrals, ask your friends, pick up the phone and call senior care programs to find out which options suit your situation best.
I have a great tool for you to use that lists important questions to ask when considering a home caregiver. If you would like this questionnaire, give me a call or send me an email, and I will be happy to send it to you.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
