Five Common Myths About Home Care Services
Although home care has been available for over two decades, home care is still very often
misunderstood. To clarify any confusion about how home care can help you or an aging family member, here is the truth about the five most common myths about home care:
Myth #1: Home care is only for those who are very sick
Truth: Non- medical home care is available to those seeking a little extra help throughout the house, assistance with chores, and transportation to appointments or events. Non-medical care also includes assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs. These activities include, but are not limited to, assistance with bathing, dressing, providing medication reminders, and helping with other day-to-day tasks as needed.
Myth #2: Home care is expensive and can only be afforded by the wealthy
Truth: The costs of home care vary depending on the needs of the individual. With this in mind, home care is often more affordable than a nursing home. With assisted living costs increasing every year, many families find that home care is ultimately the most affordable option. For example, the average monthly cost of an assisted living facility in Maryland is nearly $4000 a month. For half that cost, you could have a Personal Care Coach provide you daily assistance in the comfort of your own home.
Myth #3: Home care workers don’t care about their patients
Truth: A person-centered agency like ThriveUSA learns a person’s needs before they send a Personal Care Coach to a client’s home. This ensures that the Coach who will provide regular care to a client is highly matched to the client’s goals, interests, and needs. As a result, this deliberate approach to matchmaking has resulted in prolonged independence and a reduction in social isolation.
Myth #4: I have a family, so I don’t need home care
Truth: Compassion fatigue and burnout are real and nothing to be ashamed of. As caregivers to loved ones, we rarely take time for ourselves. The burden of helping someone we love weighs heavily on us over time, impacting the quality of care we provide and can even impact the caregiver’s own health, and relationships with others. Home care is not a substitute for family members, rather Personal Care Coaches act to fill the gap between the care a family provides and the clients’ needs and interests. Therefore, hiring an agency like ThriveUSA to provide respite for a family caregiver ensures that both the caregiver and family member they look after have a healthy balance and long-term success.
Myth #5: Only seniors use Home care
Truth: Home care is often used by parents of newborns, people recovering from injuries or surgery, or busy families who want to save time and want a helpful hand. ThriveUSA personalizes your care plans to meet your family’s unique goals. For example, we can help with picking up family members, prepping meals or going grocery shopping. ThriveUSA has a Personal Care Coach for anything you and your family may need.
If you’re looking for someone who can help you or someone you love to maintain their independence, live a fulfilled life, and give you the peace of mind that your loved one is taken care of, ThriveUSA Home Care can help! We carefully match each client with the best Personal Care Coach to meet his or her needs and goals. Call today for your free consultation and free home safety report!