Benefits of Shared Care
Sharing care with a neighbor down the hall a few houses over on the block can ensure a senior receives the support they need to feel their best, at a cost that won’t break the budget. Wondering if shared care would be a good fit for you or your loved one? Here are just a few benefits to consider.
No Hourly Commitment
Not all aging adults need hours and hours of in-home care each day. However, many home care agencies have an hourly minimum for the day or week. This often means that seniors who could benefit from a quick 30 minute wellness visit end up not getting one because they don’t need the extra hours of care.
Shared care means those hourly minimums are met within a care group. Everyone in the group gets the amount of care they need to keep them feeling healthy and happy.
Saves Money
When care is shared between neighbors in a care group, everyone pays for the care they need, without the commitment of hourly minimums. This keeps costs down for everyone, making extra support even more affordable for those on fixed budgets.
Caregiver Consistency
Shared care is provided by one or two caregivers from a home care agency. These caregivers become consistent visitors in the lives of the seniors they serve. Consistency leads to trust and more meaningful relationships, improving overall care and satisfaction.
Peace of Mind
Many family members worry that something will happen to their loved one without someone there to help. A daily wellness check can offer peace of mind to family members and the senior. During a wellness check, a trained caregiver stops by to say hello and see how the senior is feeling. If there is a significant change in mental or physical health, the caregiver will notice and be able to report it to their agency for quick and appropriate follow-up.
Personalized Support
The right in-home care can benefit the physical, mental, and emotional health of an older adult living at home alone or with a partner. They can rely on a caregiver to take care of tasks that zap their energy levels, leaving them with renewed energy to pursue their favorite hobbies, take a walk around the neighborhood, or meet a friend for coffee.
Increased Connection, Decreased Loneliness
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that loneliness and isolation can lead to serious health complications for older adults, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, dementia, and heart disease? It’s true – isolation and loneliness can quickly lead to decreased quality of life and even earlier death rates. Caregiver visits can decrease the risks associated with loneliness and instead boost feelings of connectedness.
Get Started
Ready to begin shared care so that you can see the benefits for yourself?