Home Care.
What do you think of when you read those two words? For many, the phrase “home care” conjures up images of frail or sick elderly being cared for in their house.
While what is described above can be a stereotypical home care scenario, it is a common misconception that home care services are only for the sick and elderly. In fact, home care has applications that vary widely, and are for individuals of all ages who need care.
Since many people don’t know exactly what home care is, or what it can do for them and their loved ones, we wanted to help clear up some misconceptions and share an exhaustive list of what Wiser Home Care Services can do.
In this article we will be addressing the 9 most common home care misconceptions. Let’s get started.
Misconception 1: Home Care is for the Wealthy
Here in the United States, health care premiums and costs can be quite expensive which often leads people to believe that home care is only for those who have the private funding available to do so. This is simply not the case. Here at Wiser Home Care Services we pride ourselves on our ability to provide high quality, client-centered, and affordable care.
Misconception 2: The Quality of Care is not Equivalent to that in a Focused Facility or Hospital
We get it. Many people believe the quality of care is not as high when being cared for at home because the hospital or focused facility may have more equipment or staff directly on call. However, all of our caregivers are certified and highly trained specialists that dedicate all their time to the client when they are providing home care. In addition, we provide ongoing training to ensure our caregivers are equipped to offer leading edge, high quality care in the comfort of your own home.
Misconception 3: Home Care is a Temporary Solution
While some home care is temporary, for example, after surgery or respite care, we are happy to offer long term, affordable care services. If you are unsure the length of care you or a loved one may need, we are happy to provide a free consultation and build a care plan that is tailored to your situation. Afterall, don’t you want to live in the comfort of your own home as long as possible?
Misconception 4: Having People Come in and Out of Your House Increases Your Risk
Many people have heard horror stories about caregivers swindling the vulnerable out of valuable possessions, but the truth is, these instances are few and far between. To ensure safe, quality care, at Wiser Home Care Services, each of our caregivers are thoroughly screened, background checked, bonded, and insured. You can rest assured knowing you, your loved ones, and your possessions are safe.
Misconception 5: Those Who Need 24/7 Care Don’t Qualify for Home Care
We are happy to report that this is simply not true. In fact, our home care services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who needs it. We are happy to provide round-the-clock care as well as help manage and coordinate care services with other medical professionals to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Misconception 6: You Have No Say Over Who the Caregiver is
You are in control of who cares for you. Before services are started, your professional care coordinator visits you for a free home assessment. The information he or she gathers is designed to help select your caregiver and make an ideal match-up. The supervisor will make a personal introduction. We start with a trial period to see if it is a match. If for any reason this person doesn’t meet your expectations, a simple call to the office is all that is needed to make a caregiver change. We strive to meet our clients’ expectations.
Misconception 7: Home Care is Only for Dependent Seniors
As we mentioned in the introduction of this article, this is one of the most common misconceptions of what home care actually is. While many people who utilize home care services are dependent seniors, our services help a wide variety of people in all ages. From after surgery care and long-term disease care to companion care, our services are designed to provide care and companionship in the comfort of your own home.
Misconception 8: You Don’t Need Home Care Because You Have Family Caregivers
Providing daily quality care is truly a full-time job. If you have a family member that does not need to work and can provide you the level of care you need, you are very fortunate and one of few. While relying on family caregivers may save money, it is also very stressful and can negatively affect your relationship with them as well as their emotional, physical, mental, and personal well-being. With that being said, Wiser Home Care Services is happy to provide assistance to family caregivers while respecting the care plan your family prefers. In addition, our Respite Care services allow a family caregiver time to have break while having peace of mind that their loved one is being cared for.
Misconception 9: Home Care is just Adult Babysitting
Having someone come into your house to ensure all your daily needs are being met, care for you, or help you clean and run errands may make some feel like they are being “babysat”, but we can assure you that simply isn’t true. We pride ourselves on matching clients with a caregiver that meets all their needs including personality. Often times caregivers and clients form close friendship bonds.
Wiser Home Care Services Can Help
Whether the services are for you or a loved one, Wiser Home Care Services is the answer to independence and care. We can offer respite to family caregivers as well as help extend and enhance living at home.
Our caregivers provide helpful and necessary services needed to brighten the day, lighten the workload and ensure peace of mind. Examples of our home services include:
- Companionship & transportation
- Fall prevention and safety
- Dementia care and safety
- Medication & appointment reminders
- Meal planning, preparation & clean-Up
- End of life care
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Escort to appointments
- Lunch or dinner outings
- Provide a safe bathing environment
- Clothing selection & dressing assistance
- Assist with pet care
- Reading magazines, papers & books
- Assist with walking- safety, balance
- Monitor nutrition, diet & hydration
- Play stimulating games
- Care of house plants
- Discuss current & historical events
- Participate in crafts & games
- Prepare grocery list
- Rent, play & discuss movies
- Assist with gardening
- Plan visits, outings, & trips
- Visit neighbours & friends
- Maintain client calendar
- Morning / bedtime care
- Escort to religious services
- Help record family history
- Take out garbage
- Help arrange appointments
- Change linens & make beds
- Pick up prescriptions
- Organize & clean closets
- Grocery & general shopping
- Answer the door & telephone
- Reminisce about the past
- Prepare future meals
- Attend plays & club meetings
- And much, much more
If you know someone who can use help with some of these tasks, please pass on this information to them.
To learn more and arrange for a FREE assessment click the button below or call 877-279-5530 or 253-880-4595.