When the time comes that your loved one needs regular in-home care to remain independent and healthy, family members have a choice. They can either decide to hire a professional in-home caregiver to see to their loved one’s needs, or take over as a family caregiver. Though this may sound like a simple choice, nothing could be farther from the truth. In reality, the decision between in-home caregiving vs. family caregiving is hugely complex. Here are a few factors to remember while navigating this choice to reach the best outcome for your loved one.
The Pros and Cons of Professional In-Home Caregiving
Professional caregivers can offer your loved one the best in-home care. A professional caregiver can provide a wide variety of services across a broad spectrum of needs. In some cases–such as when your loved one needs help bathing, dressing, or using the toilet–your loved one might not feel comfortable letting someone who knows them personally help with such intimate tasks. It can be easier to accept the aid of a trained professional who knows how to help them feel comfortable. If your loved one has more complex or intensive needs, a professional caregiver can often make sure they get the care they need.
Family Caregiving Offers Benefits, Too–and Drawbacks
Family caregiving can be deeply rewarding for those with the time and ability. Providing care for your loved one fosters a deep bond between you. Many caregivers report feeling a great deal of personal satisfaction from becoming a caregiver. In addition, you can provide emotional support for a loved one that a professional caregiver would lack the years of context to offer. For that reason, some people may prefer to receive care from a family member who knows them personally. When you have a positive relationship with your loved one, the familiarity and comfort a family member provides can’t be substituted with professional care. In addition, many people may lean towards family caregiving to save on professional care expenses.
However, family caregiving is far from an easy solution. In most circumstances, becoming a family caregiver requires making some sacrifices in your own life to support your loved one. Family caregivers often need to cut back on their job hours or leave their careers entirely in order to provide care. In fact, though stepping in as a caregiver can help families save on the expense of professional caregiving aid, the lost income from missed work can also create financial hardships.
In addition, it’s essential to know the difficulties that family caregiving presents before fully committing to it. Providing your loved one with care often requires long hours, challenging work, and patience. Caregiver burnout is a serious problem and can be difficult to avoid. As such, it’s best to consider your options carefully before committing.
Which is the Best Option For You?
At the end of the day, the decision between professional in-home caregiving vs. family caregiving will come down to an individual’s specific circumstances. For people with straightforward care requirements, family caregiving can be a meaningful way to spend time with an older loved one.
But not every family has the ability to offer care to their relatives. A professional caregiver may be the best option if your loved one’s unique needs are complicated or intensive. In the end, having a discussion with your loved one to hear about their preferences and perspective is a great first step on the journey towards getting them the best in-home care. And if you decide that a professional in-home caregiver is the right option, Generations Home Care is here to help.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care personalized in-home care and support services help those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier, and independent life.
Our caregivers are trained in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Generations Home Care takes a holistic approach and emphasizes a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.
