As elderly individuals age, they may require increased assistance with daily activities. This can range from personal care tasks like dressing and bathing to medical care and emotional support. For many, the desire to remain in the comfort of their home, surrounded by familiar environments, is a priority. That’s where 24-hour home care comes into play.
How to get 24-hour care for elderly at home remains a question for many. Securing proper 24-hour care for the elderly can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can ensure your loved one receives high-quality care that’s both effective and compassionate. This guide will help you understand how to arrange 24-hour care, what types of care are available, and how to incorporate the right tools to streamline the process.
Why 24-Hour Home Care is Essential
Before diving into how to get 24-hour care for your elderly loved one, it’s important to understand the significance of such services:
- Comfort and Familiarity: One of the biggest benefits is that elderly individuals can remain in their homes, surrounded by the people and things they love.
- Personalized Care: Home care allows for one-on-one attention, ensuring the care meets the specific needs of your loved one.
- Consistent Monitoring: Having caregivers present at all times ensures that any medical emergencies or changes in health are addressed immediately.
Types of 24-Hour Care for Seniors
There are several approaches to providing continuous care for the elderly at home. The best solution depends on the level of care your loved one requires and your family’s preferences.
1. Live-In Caregiver
A live-in caregiver stays in the home 24/7, assisting with everything from personal care to light housekeeping. While they are on-call day and night, they are allowed designated rest periods and may need separate living space.
- Pros: Live-in care is often the most cost-effective option for 24-hour care. It also allows for consistent care, as the same caregiver is available throughout the day and night.
- Cons: Live-in caregivers still require rest, so they will need breaks, which means occasional shifts in caregivers.
2. Shift Caregivers
With shift care, two or more caregivers rotate throughout the day and night to ensure that someone is always available. This model is best for situations where constant care is needed, such as for individuals with severe cognitive impairment or serious medical conditions.
- Pros: Continuous care, ideal for those with more intensive needs.
- Cons: It’s more expensive than live-in care, and multiple caregivers might create variability in the care experience.
3. Combination of Family and Professional Caregivers
Some families choose to have professional caregivers assist during certain shifts, while family members manage other parts of the care. This arrangement allows for a balance between professional care and familial involvement.
- Pros: More cost-effective, keeps family involved in caregiving.
- Cons: It can be physically and emotionally demanding on family members, particularly those with full-time jobs or other obligations.
4. Home Health Aides & Nurses
If your loved one has specific medical needs, you might need to hire a certified home health aide or nurse who can provide medical care. These professionals can administer medications, assist with rehabilitation exercises, and offer other medical treatments as required.
- Pros: Specialized care, ideal for seniors with complex medical needs.
- Cons: More expensive than regular caregiving services.
Assessing the Care Needs of Your Loved One
Before arranging for 24-hour care, it’s crucial to evaluate the level of support your loved one needs. Consider the following:
- Physical Needs: Does your loved one need help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom?
- Medical Needs: Are there chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or mobility issues, that require medical oversight or medication management?
- Cognitive Needs: Does your loved one suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other condition that affects their memory and mental health?
- Social Needs: Are companionship and emotional support a key component of their care?
The answers to these questions will help determine the type of caregiving service that is most appropriate.
Finding and Hiring a Caregiver
Once you’ve assessed the needs of your loved one, the next step is to find a caregiver or caregiving service that matches those needs. Here’s what you should consider when hiring:
- Experience: Look for caregivers who have experience with the specific needs of your loved one (e.g., dementia care, post-surgery recovery).
- Training and Qualifications: If your loved one requires medical care, ensure the caregiver is certified, whether as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), HHA (Home Health Aide), or RN (Registered Nurse).
- References and Reviews: Check references and reviews from other families who have worked with the caregiver or agency.
- Compatibility: It’s important that your loved one feels comfortable with their caregiver. Schedule an interview or trial period to ensure a good match.
You can find caregivers through several channels:
- Home Care Agencies: These agencies often have a roster of qualified caregivers available for hire.
- Online Platforms: Websites like Care.com and HomeAdvisor allow you to search for caregivers and read reviews.
- Private Referrals: Asking friends, family, or healthcare professionals for recommendations can help you find trustworthy caregivers.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Before finalizing arrangements, ensure that all legal and financial aspects are addressed. This includes:
- Employment Contracts: If hiring a caregiver directly, create a clear employment contract that outlines responsibilities, working hours, pay, and duties.
- Insurance: Check if your homeowner’s insurance covers caregiver liability, or if you need additional coverage.
- Costs: Home care can be expensive, and pricing varies based on the type of care, caregiver qualifications, and location. Costs generally range from $20 to $30 per hour, or $3,000 to $6,000 per month for live-in care. Shift care may cost significantly more.
Technology to Support 24-Hour Care
Modern technology can be an invaluable tool in enhancing the care experience. Consider these options:
- Medical Alert Systems: These allow your loved one to easily call for help in an emergency.
- Remote Monitoring Tools: Cameras and sensors can help monitor activities around the clock, ensuring safety.
- Medication Management: Automated medication dispensers or apps can help ensure that medications are taken on time and in the correct dosages.
- Telehealth: Virtual doctor visits provide easy access to medical professionals without leaving the home.
How Kizuna Can Help
Finding and managing caregivers can be overwhelming, but Kizuna simplifies the process by connecting families with thoroughly vetted, highly qualified caregivers. Kizuna’s care coordinators ensure a seamless experience, matching seniors with caregivers who meet their specific needs. Families can trust that every caregiver has been carefully screened, providing peace of mind that their loved one is in good hands.
By leveraging Kizuna’s expertise, families can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their elderly loved ones—while ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Kizuna, discover how simple it is to find the best care
