In-home care is the perfect solution for many residents living in Sherman Oaks and elsewhere.

Accredited Home Care is one example of a local company that’s happy to provide a variety of wellness therapies and other services to residents who want to remain in their own home. In-home care can be especially appealing to clients who may not necessarily want to be alone all the time but also aren’t eager to relocate to an assisted living facility that can offer more services if given the choice.

Not everyone is able to decide what option can work best. In some cases, a serious medical condition may develop quickly which requires family members to make a quick decision that someone needs extra care. In many of these cases, someone who needs advanced medical care and regular supervision must relocate.

But in other cases, family members may have more time to discuss care preferences and conduct research into different options and services. Having this information can be vital when a difficult conversation and tough decisions are still ahead.

This research can show that several services and therapies can be available through in-home care, making it a useful option before things reach emergency status.

Home care

This month is a fine opportunity to learn more about in-home care options. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice has declared the month of November to be Home Care and Hospice Month. 

The NAHC encourages home care and hospice providers to spread the word about available services and how to learn more. It also encourages people to acknowledge the important role employees of these private or public organizations play, and how many of them are dedicated to the role of helping others.

This focus doesn’t just include home health care nurses and caregivers, but anyone who works with an agency or organization, including aides, social workers and various therapists.

Why home care works

Home health care does offer a variety of benefits.

1. Minimizes disruption. Someone will likely feel more comfortable in their own surroundings rather than the stress of having to move to a new place. Though many assisted living situations have some advantages as far as social activities and advanced care and monitoring, home care really can make people feel secure. This peace of mind can also contribute to a better attitude, and less stress can be better for someone physically and mentally. A familiar place where the client knows the location of everything also can make it less likely that someone will get lost, confused or lose their balance and hurt themselves in a fall.
2. Access to expert help. Rather than figuring out how to schedule visits to various specialists and therapists, they can come to you. This means a massage therapist can visit your home a certain number of times, an occupational therapist or others. Home health care services can also provide respite care to give caregivers or family members a break as needed.
3. Upcoming visitors. Regularly scheduled appointments also can give people something to look forward to. Many home health care employees understand that clients not only enjoy whatever service or therapy they offer but the social value as well. Therapists are encouraged to engage in conversation and share details of their lives. It’s also easy for friends and family to visit in your home that they’re comfortable in vs. a facility that no one is familiar with.
4. Better peace of mind for people living by themselves. Many of today’s home health care agencies provide useful support beyond direct care. This can include meal preparation, light housework, and assistance with errands. All of these can be appealing for people who live by themselves but may not have the energy to take care of all these housekeeping tasks. Family members who aren’t nearby also will be less concerned about their safety and nutrition if they know a home health care agency is able to provide this support.
5. Affordability. Though some insurance plans are able to help with the costs of either home health care or a stay at an assisted living facility, home health care is generally considered less expensive of an option in terms of daily and weekly costs. This is often due to the level of care required at the assisted living facility, such as more advanced nurses or round-the-clock security and support. Home health care can offer a variety of services based on a client’s budget and needs. For instance, someone may be fine with a nurse or therapists coming by a few times each week. Some may need a caregiver to come by once a day, or some require someone there more often. But price comparisons can be useful if you have the option to do so.

Overall, while an assisted living facility might be an option for someone who needs advanced care and high supervision that can’t be provided at home, the option of home health care may be more appealing in several ways. Contact Accredited Home Care to discuss these options further.