Information for Families
Reservation or concerns about choosing to stay at home
Your loved one has made the decision to stay in their own home.
You may be concerned and have questions and reservations about their choice.
At Van Isle Home Care, we understand that it is difficult when your loved one makes a choice that you may not agree with. Because we know you want the best for your spouse, parent or loved one, we can help you make informed decisions based on sound in home care information for families.
It is important for you to understand that moving your parent into a home may give you peace of mind, but it does not guarantee that they will not fall or that they will be happier and safer. Sometimes the familiarity of an elder’s environment is the safest place they can be.
Has your loved one let their wishes be known as to their long term care?
If so, it is important to try and respect and support the decision of care at home as an option. It may very well improve their quality of life and increase their longevity.
Questions you may have:
How will my family member access emergency help in a timely fashion from home?
Emergency alert systems have improved dramatically and there are now many options to choose from. Many systems allow for an emergency call to be made to both family and the emergency response system. In many cases the response time for the client living at home may be the same as in a facility.
Are they more likely to have a fall when in the home?
Anyone can fall at any time whether at home, on an outing or in a facility. An Occupational Therapist can do a thorough assessment in the home, remove hazards and add equipment that makes the environment as safe as possible.
How will I ensure that they are taking their medications?
Qualified caregivers, can assist with medications and help monitor their effectiveness, as well as, watch for negative side effects and any changes.
Is proper/adequate nutrition and hydration a problem?
Having a qualified caregiver in the home will enable the client to have meals made that they enjoy. Often times seniors can’t be bothered to go to a centralized dining room for meals and would like to have the choice of what they eat and when.
What if they are lonely?
Some seniors thrive in social circles, while others (many whom have lived alone for some time) do not. There are many activities that seniors can attend right from their own home. Being in a facility does not guarantee they will socialize, they still have to make the choice to attend.
What happens if their level of care changes?
As their level of required care increases so too can the supports within the home. We can start with light housekeeping and provide services right through end of life. Our team can even provide hospice care at home, if the Client wishes.
We coordinate with the family Doctor and the hospital hospice team to ensure that all care needs are met. The comfort of knowing that they can keep the same care team at all levels of care and need is priceless.
Only certain facilities have different levels of care that allow patients to transfer to increased care floors or sister facilities when needed. This generally means another move for them either within the facility, to another facility or to the hospital where they often cannot return home.