 |
| In-home care can be safe and affordable. |
by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The
CareGiver Partnership
As the need for in-home caregiving
grows to accommodate aging baby boomers, so, too, do opportunities to age in
place safely, independently and affordably.
The position of home health care
aide is the single fastest growing job in the United States, according to a
March 11 CNN Money article. And with about 8,000 baby boomers turning 65 every
day for the next 18 years, says the AARP, there’s no sign of this trend
slowing. Fortunately, advances in home caregiving can help seniors live at home
longer and do so more affordably.
Research shows 85 percent of
seniors want to stay in their homes, and manufacturers and service providers
are adapting to this growing need for tools that allow them to do so for as
long as possible. In-home care now is easier with advances in several areas. Care alternatives: Today families
can choose from independent caregivers, professional agencies and even, in some
cases, respite care offered by state and nonprofit organizations, such as those
focused on assisting seniors with Alzheimer’s, U.S. veterans and more.
Technology: High-tech monitoring and alert tools can help reduce costs by decreasing the number of visits by in-home caregivers. Examples include the Philips Lifeline medical alert service, big-button amplified telephones, and Internet-based monitoring.
Home modifications: Options include floor-to-ceiling security poles and curved grab bars, which can be installed anywhere in the home. Bathrooms should include safety features like grab bars, bath benches, elevated toilet seats and nonskid flooring. Other safety and mobility products include bed rails, crutches, couch canes, and portable handles for getting in and out of vehicles.
Home delivery services: Doorstep delivery can cut back on paid caregiver visits and shopping trips, while giving family caregivers peace of mind. From adult diapers and other incontinence products, to diabetes supplies or even freshly prepared meals, home delivery convenience often outweighs the costs.
Tax credits and deductions: These options may be available to the elderly and their families depending on how taxes are filed. To learn more, read “11 Tips for Lowering the Cost of Home Care.”
With today’s tools, technology and
other resources, many seniors can safely age in place longer. However, there
may come a point where a higher level of care is needed or in-home care costs
are nearing facility costs. When this ‘break-even point’ is reached, family
members should discuss options and next steps. Visit The CareGiver Partnership to
download a free home safety guide, “It All Starts with a Fall,” or visit our
blog for hundreds of articles on senior care and aging in place.
Call us. We're here to help.
About The
CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their
loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information
about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of
Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web
site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most
important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to
prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for
incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The
CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wis. Visit
http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
Watch this video on how to make a home safe for seniors.
 |
| Call us. We're here to help. |
0 comments:
Post a Comment