There comes a time in many families that in-home care for the elderly must be considered. The good news is that there are many wonderful providers, which are fully capable and adequately trained to provide this much-needed assistance.

If you are at a loss when it comes to choosing the right provider, there is no harm in asking friends for their recommendation. This will save a great deal of time, when time is usually of the essence. You just might be surprised by the number of people, in your circle, who have had the need for this service.

This type of care is customizable to best meet the needs of the client and his or her specific situation. It is a wonderful solution when a loved one requires occasional assistance or around-the-clock care. It eliminates the need to move into some type of assisted care facility… which of course is what most people want to avoid.

There are two basic types of in-home care for the elderly, medical and non-medical.  Non-medical care typically the less expensive of the two. This is due to the fact that it can be performed by caregivers who do not possess a nursing degree.

If you live in a state that requires caregivers to be licensed, in some manner, choose a provider or service that is bonded.  This will give you added peace of mind that your loved one is being well cared for.

It is also wise to request proof of a background check, when hiring a caregiver. Most agencies do this automatically, but if you’re hiring someone not associated with an agency make it a point to run the check yourself. (The process is quite simple and can even be done online.)

Choose an agency that is willing to adapt to your loved-one’s schedule. You don’t want a caregiver who is overbearing or only wants to do things their way. You want someone who will help your family member maintain as much independence and normalcy in their life, as possible.

You also want to choose an agency that is willing to consult with physicians, social workers, hospitals, volunteers and any other individuals who are involved with your loved one. This will make it easier to provide the best possible care.

It is also imperative that you choose a provider who can quickly supply a temporary replacement, in the event that your regular caregiver becomes ill.

In-home eldercare agencies provide a WIDE variety of services. These include things like respite time for other family caregivers, hygiene assistance, meal planning and preparation, running errands and shopping, medication reminders, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation to medical appointments and companionship in general.

The cost for these services will typically be dependent on the length of stay necessary.  Caregivers are available for both temporary and full-time assistance.  In the event that full-time care is needed, it is usually split up into 3 eight hour shifts.

Many in-home assisted living providers now offer a more specialized care plan for Alzheimer patients.  This type of non-medical care can be a lifesaver for all involved and allows your loved one to live in familiar surroundings, for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, the number of individuals who have been or will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is on the rise.  With no cure currently in sight, it is extremely important to offer this service to family members and patients, doing their best to cope with the disease.

(For the most part, care plans such as this have been approved by the Alzheimer Foundation of America and Dementia Care Professionals of America.)

Due to the fact that people are living longer, in-home caregivers are needed more than ever. This is true in the case of adult day care, as well.

If you are currently the primary caregiver, in charge of assisting a loved one, there is nothing wrong with hiring someone to perform part-time duties. You should NEVER feel guilty, when considering this. It will give you the much needed opportunity to find time for yourself and/or other family members.

Even taking the time to do something as simple as taking a walk to reading a chapter or two in a good book will help to invigorate your body and spirit.