Are you and your family having trouble making a decision about senior home care? As we get older, and our parents age, we find ourselves in situations that require us to make choices that we never thought we would have to make. Our team at Milestone Health Services Halton understands that independence is something many people value, and having the freedom to stay in your own home in the later stages of your life is desirable, but not always possible.
In-home health care
Deteriorating health and limited finances may lead some families to consider alternative home nursing care options for seniors. In Ontario, we benefit from the provincial medical system for many treatments and doctor visits. There are some services, such as physiotherapy, that are only covered by private benefit plans.
Many cultures believe that keeping their elders in the family home is a natural thing to do, but more families are embracing this idea because of the variety of affordable in-home services are being offered.
Some things to consider when your parent is moving in with you:
- What does your parent want?
- Does your mother or father have mobility issues?
- Can you modify parts or all of your home to accommodate them?
- Is there a medical condition that prevents your parent from being at home alone?
- Can you work from home or arrange for someone to be home at alternate times?
- Compare the cost of assisted living versus caregiver support in your home
- What are your parents’ health care needs, and can they be addressed at home?
- Consider your family budget and research service fees
Assisted living for seniors
Making arrangements for your parents to live in an assisted living home can become a stressful experience. Budgeting for expenses, liquidating any assets and facing potential psychological effects of having to leave one’s home are significant factors that make the process difficult.
Assisted living can become very expensive, but if your parent finds a residence that suits their needs and appeals to their social leanings, it may be the right choice for them.
Some things to consider when making the transition to assisted living:
- What are your senior’s views on independent living?
- Are there medical conditions that can worsen if they move to an unfamiliar environment?
- Consider finances and expenses over a long-term period and if they are sustainable
- Will your parent be at ease in a group living scenario?
How can Milestone Health Services Halton help?
Whichever solution you and your family choose for your senior’s health care, Milestone Health Services Halton can offer services to supplement the care already being given at the provincial level.
Our team of registered nurses and pre-screened personal support workers are able to:
- work with your doctors through your own dedicated Client Care manager to ensure a comprehensive approach to your senior’s health plan
- make home visits for foot care and physiotherapy treatments
- provide companion care so your parent isn’t alone while you’re at work
- administer insulin, eye and nose drops when delegated to do so
- help you manage your medication
- provide respite care to help your family manage the time you need to be at home or to cover sleeping hours (e.g. if your parent has dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease and is prone to wandering)
- work with you to identify specific needs and provide solutions
If you live in the Halton area, including Georgetown, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga North, contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home assessment at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form.