Sometimes, as our loved ones begin to age, they might require constant care, especially if they have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or are severely disabled. Almost no one wants to end up in a nursing home facility that is understaffed and overwhelmed with many patients who require constant care around the clock.
My mother, for example, said she never wanted to be put in a nursing home as she watched her beloved grandmother (Grammy) wither away in a place where she was neglected and not properly cared for. However, before that, my grandmother (Nana) was able to provide 24-hour live-in care at her Michigan home until Grammy’s Alzheimer’s progressed.
Sadly, my ex-mother-in-law suffered from severe dementia that required 24-hour-a-day care. Regrettably, my ex-husband had to put his mom in a nursing home, and they were not caring for her as he would have preferred. Furthermore, to add insult to injury, her Medicaid was abruptly canceled, and then she passed away two months later.
According to the National Institute of Health, when planning to age in place versus a nursing home, one should consider, “The best time to think about how to age in place is before you need a lot of care. Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.
The first step is to think about the kinds of help you need now and might want in the future. You can learn about home-based care and other services in your community and find out what they cost. Planning ahead also gives you time to set up your home to meet your needs as you age.
Another step is to consider any illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, that you or your spouse might have. Find out about how the illness could make it hard for someone to get around or take care of themselves in the future. Your health care provider can help answer your questions.
Most people prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible. But there may come a time when it’s no longer safe or comfortable to live alone.
The decision about whether and when an older adult should move from their home is often difficult and emotional. Everyone will have their own reasons for wanting (or not wanting) to take such a step. One person may decide a move is right because they can’t or don’t want to manage the home any longer. For another person, the need for regular, hands-on care motivates a change,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
In-home care vs assisted living costs
Additionally, in terms of costs, in-home care is often less expensive than a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Even though many high-quality senior facilities offer packages, you may end up paying for services your loved one doesn’t even need.
U.S. News Health reports that, “Another option is skilled home care. This may involve physical therapy and other services, such as wound care for pressure ulcers and support with injections and catheters or complex medication management.
The basic goals of home care are to keep residents safe and comfortable in their homes, enable them to be as self-sufficient as possible while slowing mental and physical decline. Aides also may prevent avoidable ER visits and hospitalizations by recognizing signs of a new illness or exacerbation of an existing one. For instance, they may be helping someone up from a chair and notice that they’re wincing in pain. Or, the caregiver might uncover that the person had a fall. The caregiver can then work with the family and the person’s physician to address the reasons behind the fall and put a fall prevention program in place,”.
With better options for services and potentially lower costs, it seems as though my ex may end up deciding to make a place in his home for Grandma.
Preparing your home for home health care
Should my ex decide to bring his mom to his home to receive 24-hour in-home care, there are some things he must do first to prepare for this venture. Let’s see what the experts have to say about preparing your home for home health care.
Measures to take when someone is aging in place versus in a nursing home:
- Repairs
- Well lit
- Emergency phone numbers listed
- Remove any clutter
- Remove any tripping hazards
- Make sure there are non-slip strips or mats
- Clear walking areas
- Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Make sure the stairs are manageable
- Are there staple foods (such as cereal, sugar, canned soup) in the cabinets?
- Walker or wheelchair compliant
- Adequate outside lighting
I also have a good friend/neighbor who is struggling with severe disability issues and wants to stay in her home. She is cognitively capable but needs help with mobility and only needs services for a few hours a day. She does not have family in the state, so she must rely on friends and neighbors; however, should she end up with dementia, we may not be able to effectively be of assistance to her.
If there are no family members to provide loving, honest, and ethical care, a Conservator will be the person responsible for a person with dementia. A Conservator is a person appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of a person living with dementia, referred to as the guardian in some states.
The Conservator will have the legal authority to make decisions about the person’s care, residence, medical treatment, and financial matters. The court will determine whether a Conservator is necessary and who would be best suited for this role. The Conservator is usually a family member or close friend, but can also be a professional fiduciary. It is always best if it is a family member because they know the person with dementia best and can make decisions in their best interest.
If you are named as a Conservator, you will have numerous responsibilities. One of your first tasks will be to inventory the person’s belongings and property, including their home, vehicles, financial accounts, and other valuables.
Home care instead of nursing home
In conclusion, choosing home care over a nursing home can offer comfort, dignity, and personalized support—especially when thoughtfully planned. It’s about honoring loved ones’ wishes while ensuring safety, affordability, and compassionate care at every stage.
