Live-in Companion for the Elderly: How to Know When It’s Time
According to the CDC, every year, around 3 million older adults visit emergency rooms in the U.S. due to falls, with one out of every five falls resulting in a broken bone. For many families, this statistic hits close to home, as they witness their elderly loved one declining in mobility. While many want to help aging family members, it can be challenging to know when more help is needed. With the wide array of options for seniors, how do you know when it’s time for in-home care or a live-in companion for elderly loved ones? Let’s take a look.
In-Home Care Options
Before we get into when certain levels of care are needed, let’s look at some senior care options.
Retirement community: While these neighborhoods for those ages 55 and up can create a community for older adults, they may lack the necessary support to help them age safely in their homes.
Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities: Staff is present at all times in these facilities, but they’re also responsible for dozens of patients. They won’t be constantly available to any individual, and staffing shortages in the industry are chronic. An in-home companion will be focused solely on your loved one.
In-home care: This is a versatile solution that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Care can be provided by the hour, overnight, or even on a 24/7 basis, with live-in services available for those who require round-the-clock support. Unlike skilled nursing facilities or adult communities, in-home care allows seniors to age in place, surrounded by the comforts of home and the familiarity of their surroundings. This option provides not only practical support but also emotional comfort and security for both seniors and their families.
When to Consider Live-In Care
Determining when it’s time to get a live-in companion for elderly family members can be challenging. While each person’s needs and safety considerations are different, there are several signs to watch out for. These signs may include:
- Intense feelings of isolation
- Frequent incontinence or difficulty using the bathroom alone
- Increased confusion/cognitive decline, perhaps due to dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Frequent falls
- Decreased agility and mobility
- Difficulty with activities of daily life (ADLs), which can include brushing teeth, meal prepping, and dressing and undressing
If you notice any of these signs in your aging loved one, it may be time to consider the benefits of live-in companion care.
Benefits of a Live-In Companion for Elderly Loved Ones
Live-in companion care offers a multitude of benefits for aging adults. With a live-in companion for elderly loved ones, seniors can maintain their independence and dignity while receiving personalized care tailored to their needs. The most obvious benefit is the help they provide seniors with daily tasks. Live-in caregivers can help seniors stay in their homes longer by assisting with meal prep, light cleaning, dressing, getting around the house, and more.
Beyond practical assistance with daily tasks, companions provide valuable emotional support and companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. They also offer a sense of security and peace of mind for both seniors and their families, knowing that someone is always there to provide assistance and support when needed.
Choosing CareBuilders at Home
A recent study found more than 90% of older adults want to age in place in their home. Only 8% said they’d want to live in an assisted living facility. Watching loved ones go through the aging process is never easy, but there is a way to maintain their independence and let them live out their remaining years where they’re most comfortable. Live-in companions for seniors can offer families the peace of knowing their loved one is taken care of.
At CareBuilders at Home, we understand the importance of providing compassionate and professional care for seniors who wish to age in place. Our caregivers and companions are carefully selected and undergo rigorous training and background checks to ensure the highest quality of care for your loved ones. We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Live-in care
- Companion care
- Specialized care assistance
- Personal care assistance
- Transportation services
With CareBuilders at Home, seniors can enjoy their days with dignity from the comfort of their own homes. Contact us today to find a live-in companion for your loved one and discover the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in good hands.
