Choosing between in home care assistance and other options like nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be challenging for both seniors and their loved ones. But, addressing some of the myths associated with in home care assistance can help to make the best decision for an aging loved one.

Myth #1: In Home Care Assistance is Only for the Sick or Dying

While it’s true that in home care assistance can help those who are sick or dying, not all home care aids are nurses. Many care providers, while licensed to help with various medical issues like CPR and choking, are not registered nurses. There are actually two types of in home care assistance– medical and non medical. While a medical care in home caregiver may offer nursing services like dressing wounds, administering medications and managing medical equipment, non medical caregivers may not. Instead, non medical caregivers may offer services like helping with bathing, eating, walking, transportation, meal preparation, cleaningand more! So, in reality, in home care assistance ranges due to the specific needs of people who utilize them.

Myth #2: Seniors can Only get Long Term Care from a Nursing Home

While a nursing home and assisted living facilities offer residential stay and a long term approach to care, they are not an aging individual’s only options. In fact, most elderly individuals wish to keep living in their own homes, even as they lose ability to perform daily tasks or functions. And, most home health care aids referred through our services stay with their home care clients for years. So, while long term care is offered through nursing homes, it’s also an option for in home care services as well.

Myth #3: Home Care is not an Affordable Solution for Most People

It’s easy to think that paying someone to come into a home everyday and provide all the care services an elderly individual may need can get expensive. But, in reality, it’s not. According to a national survey on the cost of care for seniors in 2011, the monthly cost for a private, one-room assisted living service for one month totals $3,261. In the same survey, it was noted that a semi-private room in a nursing home costs $193 per day and a private room costs $213 per day. And, these numbers had jumped 5% since 2010. Considering the increase, we can only imagine how much these prices are now, in the year 2018. However, home care aids in our registry are paid on average $13 per hour for in home care services. While nurse aids may cost a few more dollars an hour, the savings compared to assisted living facilities and nursing homes is apparent.

Myth #4: Home Care Services are for Those who Aren’t Independent

No one wants to give up their independence. But, in home caregivers are not elderly babysitters. Rather, they help elderly individuals gain back the independence they may have lost due to injury, illness, or aging. Handling chores which may be difficult or more time consuming for aging individuals provides the time and opportunity for seniors living at home to do the things they want. Furthermore, having someone there to help with the more challenging daily tasks can prevent things which could lead to less independence for seniors like falls or overexertion. So, while it may be a myth that in home care is only for those who aren’t independent, it actually helps to provide independence!

Looking for in Home Care Assistance?

If you’re looking for in home care assistance for either you or a loved one, Florida First Senior Home Care can provide you and your family with a referral. Our referral program utilizes a registry with hundreds of experienced, certified, reputable and licensed caregivers. And, the service helps to match the caregiver you’re looking for to your specific needs! To find out more about our referral service, give us a call today at 561-771-5980.