Do You Need a Private Caregiver? How to Tell

Senior needs a helping hand

There are at least 39.8 million people in the United States who have provided adults over the age of 50 with care. If you’re a senior living in Florida, you might be wondering if a private caregiver is the right option for you. As the growing population ages, the demand and need for private caregivers continue to rise. 12 million people of all ages count on support from others and as far as people older than 65, at least 7 million rely on care provided by others. If you’re wondering if a private caregiver is a good choice for you and how to find one, keep reading.

What Does a Private Caregiver Actually Do?

A private caregiver is like having an extra set of hands and a safety net all at one time. Private caregivers help to take care of things such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and basic assistance that isn’t medical-based. These caregivers will usually visit your home but you can hire in-home caregivers if you think that you need more dedicated care while being able to stay in your home. 

Their main purpose is to make it more possible for seniors to age in place and stay in their homes. While these professionals usually provide non-medical care, you can always hire a private nurse or medical assistant that can help you with things related to any conditions you may have. One of the top reasons for hiring additional help is to have someone that can relieve the strain of certain things. For example, someone may not be as mobile as they were or they may need to take medications that cause negative side effects. 

A private caregiver could make it more possible for you to live comfortably around these possible situations. They help with a variety of other things as well. From cooking, cleaning, bathing, and transportation to medication reminders, shopping, and dressing.

What to Look For in a Private Caregiver

When searching for a private caregiver as a senior in Florida, you should seek out someone that can provide you with the care and assistance you need. You also need to decide the type of caregiver that would be best for you. If you have multiple medical conditions that affect your ability to take care of yourself this would be a good reason to seek professional medical assistance. 

If you only need help with certain things and for someone to check in on your wellbeing, someone without a medical background would suffice but either professional would be beneficial. Overall, a good private caregiver will be able to come into your home and quickly understand the level of assistance you need.

The Advantages of Hiring a Private Caregiver

If you’re considering hiring a private caregiver, there are a few advantages that you should be aware of. The main benefit is the simple fact that these professionals are reliable resources for getting assistance with daily household chores and other responsibilities you may have at home. They can also help to significantly reduce the chance of injury. Additionally, you can expect a private caregiver to:

  • Help you stay in your home while increasing your independence
  • Be a supportive potential companion
  • Assist in monitoring your medications
  • Assess your daily care routine and help guide you through it
  • Evaluate any possible medical needs you may have

As we age, we will experience physical limitations. We may even experience limitations in our mental and cognitive functioning. If we recognize when we need a bit of extra help, calling a professional would be the best way to maintain our independence while also staying safe.

It’s a Great Alternative to Other Senior Living Options

Home care is a better alternative to moving into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. The main reason for this is that many people prefer to stay in their homes rather than move. In fact, seniors who decide to live at home tend to outlive those living in nursing homes. While homecare may not be the best option for everyone, it’s important to consider which option makes the most sense for what you need. 

There are at least 40% of those aged 65 that will enter a nursing home at some point during their life. In comparison, 70% of those aged over 65 are home healthcare patients. If you’re looking for a great alternative to other senior living options, hiring a private caregiver might be right for you.

Can Insurance Cover the Cost of a Caregiver?

The short answer is yes, some insurance plans will cover the costs of a caregiver. This fluctuates plan to plan but private insurance options do offer insight on receiving elder care services. The amount of coverage will also depend on the policy you have. Plans may cover a certain amount of visits or a specific range of care so you would need to review your policy to determine what it covers and what it doesn’t. 

Keep in mind that many plans also don’t cover in-home care but there are long-term care insurance options. Since it’s been shown that in-home care reduces the rate of hospital readmissions and additional doctor visits, seeking out this type of care would be a beneficial option.

Decide What’s Best for You 

If you need assistance with daily activities, but don’t want to go the route of traditional nursing care, hiring a private caregiver might be the right choice for you. It allows you to stay in your home while receiving the assistance you need. It also allows you to continue to contribute to the community around you. These professionals are there to help you maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle while ensuring additional care and support.

Leave a Reply