The idea of your loved ones moving into your home seems like the best choice in a time of need. But have you considered the potential difficulties that may come along with this arrangement? One out of four caregivers share a home with those they are taking care for. Understanding the influence this new change will have in your life and those around you is important in order to ensure that the experience is and remains a positive one.

Here are a few things to consider before having a loved one move in:

• Level of care needed: understand the limits to your caring abilities in order to avoid injury not only to your loved one but yourself as well. Often families hire private caregivers to come into the home in order to perform those activities you may not feel prepared to do (incontinent care, bathing, dressing).
• Is your home easily accessible? Most seniors require some sort of transportation aid (wheelchair, cane, walker, etc.) and for this reason it is important to think about whether or not your home would be a place in which your loved one can move around without it posing a hazard.
• How does your family feel about the change? In order to avoid conflict, it is important to consider the feelings of everyone in the family as it is a decision that affects everyone involved. Talking about the situation with everyone in the family will provide comfort and prevent future problems.
• Availability: You must ask yourself how often you will be able to help your loved one. Caring for a loved one can be a full-time job on top of everything else going on in your life (work, friends, getting time to yourself, etc). Caregivers give you the opportunity to take a break in order to take care of other things in your life. They work around the clock which allows you to schedule service around your personal schedule.
• Social interaction: Depression in older adults significantly affects the way the body functions and for this reason it is important to consider the level of human interaction they have daily. If you and your family often have to be out of the home, then hiring a caregiver is the right choice for you. Caregivers provide non-medical services, including companionship which provides your family with a sense of relief when you are unable to be there.

Your Choice Senior Care offers services from 4 hours to 24/7 care allowing you to schedule as needed. If you need help at home with your loved ones and are not sure what the next step to take is, give us a call and we will be happy to describe our services!