It is common for people to need some help from time to time as they get older. Some tasks just become a bit harder to perform. When family members or friends are not there to help, or cannot be available as often as needed, having a third party come in to offer help can be well worth the investment.
There are multiple types of third-party care, including in-home care in Port St. Lucie. In-home care is when a professional caregiver visits a private home to support one or more individuals with daily activities such as dressing or bathing. In-home care is typically personalized to provide the amount and type of care desired, depending on the unique needs of the individual. Many times, in-home care is used to help a person live comfortably in their own home until they’re ready for a supportive living environment.
Wellness Benefits of In-Home Care
The main benefit of in-home care is getting help for the needs that you have without leaving your home. Professional caregivers will schedule visits at varying intervals, usually once or more per week, to provide services.
In many situations, in-home care is customizable, which means the family or the individual can pick and choose the types of services offered. The benefit here is that you do not have to pay for services you do not need, and you can get help for just the tasks that you find difficult or demanding. This can open the door for opportunities to minimize risks and improve quality of life.
In-home care can also help in situations where a person needs physical and mental support. For example, they may need help getting up in the morning due to physical limits. In most cases, in-home care revolves around these types of personal care requirements, but some providers will also offer additional help, such as assistance with housekeeping or preparing meals.
Amenities Offered with In-Home Care
Since in-home care takes place in an individual’s home, there aren’t amenities in the traditional sense. However, providers can offer additional benefits, such as engaging in activities with the individuals, including watching television, reading, playing games or enjoying the outdoors. Going for a walk, helping with projects and even working together on completing tasks such as shopping can be done together.
Many times, there are tasks and services provided to engage a person both mentally and physically to improve overall wellness and quality of life.
Services Offered with In-Home Care
The services offered through in-home care are far-reaching and can include as much or as little as needed. Some individuals need a person to visit for a few hours a day to help with bathing, dressing and preparing meals. In other situations, they may need an in-home caregiver to be present for most of the day. A few of the services that can be included (or excluded) in each of these scenarios include:
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating and getting dressed
- Medication management
- Chronic condition management help (such as tasks associated with diabetes)
- Housekeeping, including dishes, laundry and general cleaning
- Food preparation
In-home care may offer additional supportive services as well, such as transporting someone to a doctor’s appointment or picking up medications at the local pharmacy. These services are selected based on the individual’s needs. If you require additional services, such as skilled nursing services that handle wound care or rehabilitation, it is important to choose a provider capable and licensed to offer the types of services necessary.
In-Home Care Cost and Pricing
Pricing for in-home care is difficult to pin down. Costs will vary based on location, length of care and the amount of services needed. Those who need round-the-clock care will pay more for this service than others. Recent data indicates that home care costs in Florida average about $20 per hour. Home health care may cost slightly more, although rates vary for different areas in Florida, as well as other locations around the country. When a higher level of support is needed you could actually see that living at home is much more expensive than moving to a memory care or assisted living community in Port St. Lucie. Keep in mind that residential care options for individuals may not be covered under all forms of health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
In comparison to other types of supportive living environments, in-home care can be affordable unless that care is needed all of the time or involves skilled nursing. Then, other solutions, such as memory care and assisted living, can prove to be more affordable. Keep in mind that residential care options for individuals may not be covered under all forms of health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
Not Sure If In-Home Care Is Right for You?
In situations where a person cannot live alone safely or finds it difficult to perform certain tasks, it helps to have a professional available to provide care at least part of the time. Yet, many people want to remain at home for as long as possible. In-home care helps support this. In-home care is ideal for individuals that are largely independent, or can afford a live-in care professional, but it is also important for families and friends to consider the value of other types of supportive living. Individuals that need full-time support or have specialized care needs may be able to live a fuller life in a senior living community that tailors its environment to their needs. Caregivers may also need to consider respite care from time to time.
At The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, we provide a senior living and retirement community that helps individuals with daily tasks as well as providing support for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Our community is accessible, safe and filled with activities and support that encourage individuals to live full, active lives. Contact us to learn more about our community’s environment, amenities and services.