Home Assistance Care Can Start with a Couple of Hours

Home Assistance for aging parents keeps them safe, independent and cared for. Private Home Care companies in South Florida typically have a 4 hour minimum. We have found that rule can be a deterrent to accepting any help, even when more may actually be needed. It is difficult to admit when we need help. It is hard to have a “stranger” in one’s home. However, with a good “match” the process goes much more smoothly and positive outcomes follow. Care is received and independence is maintained

At PHHC, “we have just a 2 hour minimum which is less daunting and a good way to get started.”  Once comfortable, and the help is seen as valuable and helpful, more time can be added to the schedule, or an extra day. Even when people can benefit from several hours of assistance, a few days a week, they hesitate and often do not hire caregiver help. Starting slowly allows the elder to “test the waters” and presents a better chance of keeping a schedule and benefitting from care.

A lot can be accomplished in 2 hours a couple of times a week:

1. Bathing assistance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               2. Dressing assistance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             3. Walking and transferring if needed
4. Medication reminder
5. Breakfast served and cleaned up, lunch made and left.
6. Linens, changed, Laundry done and an errand or two.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Transportation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     8.Respite time.

Home Care companies vary. Beyond denial of any need for home assistance or help with personal care, finances can be a detterant. Afterall, private duty home care is expensive. A shorter shift is a good way to have needed care and be more cost effective.  For questions and concerns about hiring a certified caregiver, please call Sherry Picker, MSW 561-672-7170. Visit us at www.paradisehomehealthcare.com.