As we get older, living independently can get harder and harder. Some things that make it hard to do everyday things, like cooking, cleaning, taking care of ourselves, and taking medications, are physical limitations, health concerns, and memory problems. When a senior is diagnosed with dementia, they face different issues that make it much harder to stay safe in their home.

Most seniors and their families want them to stay at home as long as possible, which makes sense. Safety also becomes more of a concern. We might also need to remember to take our daily mix of medications, have trouble getting out of bed, or slip and fall and hurt ourselves badly.

If you or a loved one needs help with everyday tasks, there are many ways to get care. Do you hire someone to help you at home, or do you choose to live in long-term care in Brampton?

What is home health care?

Home health care in Brampton is an option for people who want to stay in their own homes as they get older and not have to move. By hiring a home care provider, a member of your family get help with things like taking a shower, getting dressed, eating, and taking medications. You also get help with things around the house that are safe and good for your health.

In many cases, the main reason for hiring a home care provider is to have someone to talk to. Some people also choose home care as a short-term solution when they are sick, hurt, or recovering from surgery or a stay in the hospital. Home health care, whether temporary or permanent, includes medical services, depending on what the person needs and what kind of care the provider offers.

Home health care services

People who need help in their homes can choose from different types of home care that offer additional services. For non-medical home care, services include:

• Helping with bathing and dressing.
• Going to the bathroom.
• Eating.
• Taking medications.
• Getting in and out of bed or chairs.

Home care also includes help around the house, like shopping and making meals, cleaning, driving, doing laundry, regular maintenance, and taking care of the lawn. Home health care assistants also act as personal companions by spending time with people and going with them to personal and medical appointments, religious services, social events, family gatherings, and other activities.

On the other hand, medical home health care includes many services that help a person with health needs stay in their own home. Services provided are as follows:

• Giving medications and intravenous therapies.
• Cleaning and dressing wounds.
• Giving injections.
• Keeping an eye on the person to see if there are any signs that they need a higher level of medical care.

People also hire therapists to come to their place for physical, occupational, and speech therapy with loved ones. 

Pros

• Maintain independence.
• Staying in a familiar and comfortable place where family and friends can easily visit.
• A regular plan for help with activities of daily living.
• Getting a ride to the store, a trip, a doctor’s appointment, etc.
• Companionship and getting to know regular caretakers.
• Help for family carers.
• Flexibility in how much and what kind of care or help is needed.
• If needed, medical care at home, such as nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
• Privacy and quiet for people who don’t like to socialize.

Cons

• Those who live at home may interact less with other people their age than those who live in a facility.
• To make a home more accessible, you may have to pay to put in ramps, railings, or chair lifts.
• To keep seniors with dementia from wandering, you may need to move door locks, put up fences and gates, buy alarms and electronic tracking devices, and sign up with an emergency service.

What is long-term care?

Long-term care, also called “continuing care,” has different levels of help based on the person’s needs. Long-term care homes in Brampton focus on providing independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. People who move into independent living can do most of their daily tasks with little help. But people who live in independent living have access to many services and amenities, such as meals, transportation, housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, security, and a wide range of activities and chances to meet new people.

Assisted living has many of the same services and amenities as living alone, plus personal care services. Assisted living is a great place for people who need help with things like getting dressed, taking a bath, eating, and taking their medicines. It provides a supportive environment that lets people be as independent and accessible as possible.

Skilled nursing is a medical setting for people recovering from a severe illness, injury, surgery, or stay in the hospital. Professional nursing care can also help people with long-term health problems that need ongoing nursing care. Most skilled nursing communities provide all meals, transportation, help with personal care, housekeeping, maintenance, security, any nursing services needed, and planned activities and social opportunities.

Long-term care services

Long-term care communities offer all the services and comfort your loved ones need to live well, regardless of their health. Residents of both independent living and assisted living can enjoy services like meals, transportation, maintenance and housekeeping, security, and a wide range of activities that are planned. Also, people who live in assisted living get help with things like taking medications, bathing, getting dressed, and eating.

Residents of both assisted living and independent living have access to fitness centers and activity paths, classrooms and other community spaces, art studios, game rooms, gift shops, beauty salons, pools and spas, woodworking shops, dining areas, libraries, and other amenities.

In skilled nursing, people get full help with their mental and physical needs. Nursing care can include a wide range of things, such as managing pain and medications, speech and occupational therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, and wound care.

Pros

• Both medical and non-medical care is available at all times.
• The staff makes sure that medicines are taken correctly.
• All needs for personal care are met.
• Meals and cleaning are taken care of.
• Most places provide activities and trips.
• Living with other people allows you to meet new people.
• The physical environment is easy to get to and has protection against wandering.

Cons

• Giving up freedom
• Trouble adjusting to a new environment and to living in a group
• Many residents have restrictions on what they can eat, so the food may be bland, and there is less choice.
• Many residents have dementia, which can cause behavior problems and even abuse between residents.
• If a facility is far away, family and friends may only be able to visit sometimes.
• Because of staffing changes, building long-term relationships with caregivers may be challenging.

 

What are the similarities and differences between long-term care and home health care?

Home health care and long-term care are two different options, but they both aim to give you or a family member a safe, enjoyable, and comfortable life, no matter how well you or they can move around or what medical needs they have. The best choice for you will depend on your personality, whether you want to live in a community or in your own home, and the services and amenities you desire.

With home health care in Brampton, you can choose to stay in the home you already have. But looking into home care agencies or individual caregivers can take time, and it can be hard to find reliable backup care in an emergency.

If you choose long-term care, you’ll have to leave your private home and move into a community. You may also have to get rid of some of your things. But you get to live in a friendly place with elegant common areas and beautifully landscaped grounds. You also get to use various services, participate in activities, and meet new people.