Choosing the Right Type of Caregiver Assistance for Your Love One

caregiver legal guideWhen grandparents, parents and other close family members age, there is a time when it becomes too much for that person to live on their own without some type of assistance. This can be due to a prolonged or difficult to mange illness, or it may be more age-related worries, such as not being able to handle the upkeep of their home.

Whatever the issue may be, it is up to you as the spouse, child or close relative to consider caregiver options for your loved one. There are a number of options available, and finding the right fit for your family is important to feel comfortable and to keep your elderly family members safe.

Family Caregivers

The first option for any family looking to find a caregiver is to simply designate a family member or group of family members to take on the job. This can be an easy and affordable solution if the caregiving needed is simple tasks that require just a few hours a week. This is not a great option for those who are trying to care for family with serious medical conditions who may require a range of medications or regular therapy.

In-Home Caregiver

A caregiver who is not a family member can be a great asset to a family who wants to see their elderly loved ones stay in the home that they enjoy. It does cost more than providing caregiver services yourself, but you can choose from a wide range of options. You can hire a part-time caregiver to do simple tasks around your loved one’s home, cook meals and provide company.

You also have the choice to find full-time caregivers that will stay with your family member all day long. Full-time caregivers may also have certifications or licenses that allow them to provide basic medical care for your family member, such as dispensing medication or assisting with physical therapy exercises.

The key to hiring an in-home caregiver is to make sure that they are the right fit for your family. You will want to conduct thorough interviews of potential candidates, get background checks and check any qualifications they bring to the table.

Age-Restricted and Assisted Living Facilities

If caring for your family member and maintaining their residence is too much in terms of time or cost, it may be wise to consider moving your family member into a facility designed to care for the elderly. Options such as age-restricted housing or assisted living facilities can provide the care that your loved on needs without feeling like they are in a nursing home. These options instead provide a traditional housing environment with a range of activities and services available to their residents. Activities can include social events, clubs and outings. Services may include transportation assistance, meals, medication assistance, and mobility assistance for bathing and dressing.

The one service that many assisted living facilities do not include is medical care beyond helping seniors with their scheduled medications. If your loved one is in need of more than medication assistance, it is important to find an assisted living facility that does offer more medical care options on site. With any facility, it is important to ask what type of emergency care is available and what their state license permits staff to do in these cases.

No matter which option you choose to providing care to your loved ones, you will also need to be prepared for legal and financial protections as well. Wills, power of attorney and other arrangements should be made before declining health issues arise or moving into an assisted living facility. If you need assistance in these legal matters, please contact us.

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