The best scenario for any senior citizen is to stay in their own home as long as they can without having to go into an assisted living facility or nursing home. However, the decline of physical abilities and increase of health problems mean that this is not always a possibility. One solution is to have long-term health care within the senior’s home; however, it must fit in with the senior’s individual situation. This is a difficult decision to make by yourself, which is why we recommend you speak with an experienced Tampa elder law attorney if you’re thinking about arranging long-term home health care for your senior parent to find out if it’s the right move to make.
An experienced elder law attorney can advise you on the best course of action regarding your parent’s situation. There are significant financial costs associated with home health care which may be too much to handle, and planning for the different types of care your parent needs can become difficult. Sometimes a skilled nursing facility is the best choice for your parent, despite their wishes – or even yours – to keep them at home. Consulting with experienced elder care professionals, such as geriatric care coordinators, geriatricians, and elder law attorneys can help you determine the right type of care for your parent.
Let’s say these professionals do determine that your parent can receive health care in their own home; there are several advantages your parent can benefit from, such as a feeling of independence and the comfort of remaining in their own home. These positive feelings cannot be overestimated, as the impact on their mental health can in turn boost their physical health. Keep in mind though that socialization and companionship also affect your parent’s mental state. They should meet regularly with friends and family if they are able to stay in their own home, and trips to senior centers or adult daycare centers could also be beneficial.
Unfortunately, you must remember that there’s no guarantee your parent will be able to remain in their home for the duration. Conditions progress, and the level of care often rises beyond what’s available in the home. Take the time to examine what other options are out there while your parent is still receiving home health care in the event that their required level of care increases, so the transition from their home to a facility is as easy as possible if and when the time comes.
For more information about home health care and how to help determine if it’s right for your parent, please contact us at (813) 438-8503 to schedule a consultation.