Caregivers everywhere are faced with a difficult decision when they come to a crossroad in the caregiving journey. Sometimes it is a medical emergency (a fall that leads to a fracture, a wandering incident in the case of Alzheimer’s, or a prolonged illness) that triggers the decision-making process. Sometimes, caregivers reach a point where, hard as the realization may be, they feel their loved ones need more care and attention than they can provide.
For some families, a transition to assisted living or other senior care facility is not an acceptable solution. It may not always be a matter of cost; it may be that family members want to honor their commitment to caring for their parent, grandparent, or other relative in their home.
Home care provides a welcome alternative to residential care, but that being said, it is still a complex transition and a decision that must be carefully evaluated before diving in. Though the person you are caring for will be in their comfort of their own home (or yours), the dynamic will change. A brand new person or even a team of people will be coming in to the home, and it will take time (and effort from your family) to learn about the unique preferences and care needs of the individual. This is not to discourage you from considering home care, but be aware that, though your role as caregiver will change, your support is crucial to the success of a home care arrangement.
Learn more about home care here at the blog.
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Lesley Emberson says,
I currantly work in a Residental care Home for People living with Dementia. I would just like to say that even when residents in the home fall we still have the differcult desicion what to do.Some residents say they don’t have any pain or injury but it is our responsibility to the Resident and the residents family to protect them. We always make the desicion to 999 the incident we never know what is going on inside the body. Thankfully they return in one piece with now injuries.
on 02 March 2012 / 11:19 AM
Lesley Emberson says,
I find alot of interesting stories, ideas and activities on this site which is great for people living with Dementia.
on 02 March 2012 / 11:22 AM
Michelle Seitzer says,
Lesley, thanks for your comments and for your work with people living with dementia. It sounds like you do a wonderful job caring for the residents in the home where you work!
I’m glad you have found lots of interesting stories, ideas and activities here on the site.
Stop by the blog anytime!
on 02 March 2012 / 11:47 AM