As you grow older, your care needs will change, and you will eventually need some assistance in your day-to-day life. However, it is essential for seniors to still have independence and feel their individuality. So, planning for long-term care is necessary to see what options best suit your needs.
If you want to get some help while remaining independent, private care and adult day health care may be suitable options for you. Here, we’ll discuss what each option offers to help you make a more informed decision.
What Is Private Care?
Private care typically involves acquiring the services of a caregiver. The caregiver is not there to offer assistance in the treatment of medical conditions. But rather, they will be assisting the senior with any challenges their medical conditions may present. And so, the caregiver can act as a bridge between the elderly and their healthcare providers.
Since private care does not involve any tasks involving medical treatment, you don’t need to get a doctor’s referral. But this also means it will not likely be covered by insurance. So, the client or their family would have to shoulder the cost of the private care services.
Private Care Benefits
Private care is best for clients recovering from injury, can no longer drive, want social isolation, have memory problems, or show signs of depression. For elderly clients, the caregiver should be focusing on ensuring their safety and offer assistance in their daily tasks. The caregiver would also be offering the senior companionship, as living alone can be pretty lonely on the days their family members do not visit.
In terms of the daily duties of the caregiver, they will be expected to perform a number of tasks. These often include hygene-related tasks, such as personal care and grooming, meal preparation, medication reminders, accompanying clients to doctor appointments, and assistance with home exercise programs. They may also provide other services like grocery shopping, laundry, and running errands.
What Is Adult Day Health Care?
While private care all happen at home, adult day health care requires the senior to show up at a center and return home at the end of the day. The programs in adult day health care are intended to provide the elderly with meaningful social interactions. They also include activities that stimulate both the body and the mind.
At the center, the seniors are provided with meals and various activities. There are also licensed nurses and trained staff assigned to monitor them. Transportation to and from the center is also not an issue, as they will provide door-to-door transportation.
Like private care, you do not need a doctor’s referral for adult day health care. However, there will be an application process in place. And in some instances, adult day health care can be covered by insurance.
Adult Day Health Care Benefits
The main benefit of adult day health care is that seniors living alone can have the opportunity to leave their homes and interact with others. In adult day health care, older adults can participate in various activities, such as day trips, exercise programs, and games. They will also be receiving medical monitoring, nutritious meals, and grooming assistance from the trained staff.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to long-term care planning, it’s important to carefully consider your options. If you want to get assistance from the comfort of your home, private care can be an excellent option for you. However, if you want to get out and interact with others of your age, you may find adult day health care beneficial for you.
Get quality home health care in Denver from Gateway Home Health Hospice. We are committed to providing the highest quality home-based patient care in an atmosphere of respect for human dignity. Our highly trained clinicians and therapists strive to exceed the expectations of our patients, families, caregivers, and physicians. Contact us today to get started!