Now that you are elderly, maybe your adult children have been begging you to come and live with them. The other option they might have given you is for you to move to an assisted living facility. While you more than likely appreciate the concern and love your children are extending to you, maybe neither of those options are what you want.
Perhaps the home you currently live in holds precious memories of your deceased spouse. In addition, perhaps you love being surrounded by your own furniture and treasured collectibles that each hold special meaning. And, moving away from your house would obviously mean that you'd be saying goodbye to neighbors who might have become like family members.
No matter the scenario, have you considered arranging for in home care services? Doing that might be the exact compromise that would leave you in your home and that would give your children peace of mind knowing that you were being well cared for while they can't be with you. Read on for some ideas that might help you.
Connect With An In Home Care Agent - Whether you do it yourself, or whether one of your children connects with an agent at the home care facility, think of having a list of questions and concerns ready.
- Obviously, you'll want to ask about the cost of the in home care. The agent at the facility can probably tell you if your insurance will cover at least part of the services you will receive.
- If you are more comfortable with having a male caregiver, can that be provided? Of course, the same will hold true if you want a female caregiver.
- Maybe you want somebody to be with you only during the daytime hours, or during the night. How will that be arranged?
- If you have a household pet, say a dog, be sure to let the agent know that, too. Some caregivers are not comfortable with large dogs, for instance.
- Ask the agent if the caregiver will be comfortable running errands for you. For instance, will they be willing to do grocery shopping for you?
- Will the caregiver be willing to prepare simple meals and to do light housekeeping?
When the caregiver arrives at your house the first time, think of just sitting down and getting to know each other. For example, the caregiver will love to know about hobbies and other interests you have. You will probably want to know about the caregiver's family. Getting to know each other will help you to develop a friendship that will serve both of you well.
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