Is Live-In Home Care Right for Your Loved One In New Jersey?

Live- in home care offers many advantages to other types of homecare. Most seniors, when asked, would prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Live-in home health care offers an affordable alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Many people believe that live-in care is too expensive. In fact, a live-in home care aide is often times the most cost effective option, usually comparable in price to paying hourly for 8 hours of care daily.

For many people, deciding on and finding appropriate care for a parent or elderly relative can be a daunting task. Your loved on may be in the middle of a health crisis or perhaps you are trying to anticipate future needs. But you may ask yourself, "What is the best option?" For many, live-in home health care is the answer.

For family members, knowing their loved one has an additional person in the house can be comforting and in many cases, vital to the seniors staying in their own homes.

Having one caregiver in the home around the rather than several caretakers hourly also offers the opportunity for continuity of care, allowing the home health aide to get to know your loved one and his or her personal preferences.

Knowing when it's time for a live-in caregiver is difficult for many caregivers. Most people wait too long. Some indicators that it may "be time" for 24 hour care is when:

-your loved one needs 8 hours or more care daily

-living with family is not an option

-nursing home or assisted living is not desired

-your loved one needs help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:

*toileting

*bathing

*dressing

*moving around

*eating

*managing medications

Additionally, if you answer YES to any or all of the following questions, a live-in may be the right option for you loved one:

-Are you uncomfortable leaving your loved one alone for a period of time?

-Are you afraid of your loved one falling?

-Are you afraid of your loved one forgetting to take medications?

-Is your loved one forgetful to the point where you are concerned they might leave the stove on or leave doors unlocked?

-Does your own schedule prevent you from doing the things your loved ones needs?

-Do you feel having around the clock care would be helpful but more expensive than you can afford?

-Did your loved one's doctor prescribe in-home care?

Well informed home care services along with professionals such as elder law attorneys and geriatric care managers and can often help answer questions not only about the live-in process but also about various ways to pay for it. Certain insurance policies such as long term care insurance and benefit plans such as VA pension plans often pay for this type of care. Contacting a reputable home care company in your area can answer any additional questions that you may have and alleviate your concerns, therefore, clearing the path keeping your loved one safe and happy.

Murphy Ortiz is the manager of Family Choice Home Care. Family Choice is a senior approved referral agency specializing in Live-In caregivers throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia. For more information, go to or call 856-273-7700 in New Jersey or 610-616-5140 in Pennsylvania

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