As our elderly loved ones age, they may experience physical and cognitive decline.
If this is the case for the seniors in your life, having consistent care can do wonders for our peace of mind. Just knowing that there is a healthcare professional looking out for them and their well-being can alleviate a lot of sleepless nights and check-in phone calls.
In some cases, that means 24-hour care.
24-hour senior care is an essential service that provides around-the-clock assistance to seniors who require help with daily living activities, medical care, and more.
With cognitive and physical decline naturally comes difficulty managing daily routines. That can include bathing, cooking, or even getting around the home.
In cases like this, 24-hour senior care can be an excellent solution to ensure that seniors receive the care and support they need while staying in the comfort of their own homes.
What does 24-hour care involve for seniors?
When seniors require 24-hour care, it is often a sign that they need specialized care that goes beyond traditional home care services. 24-hour senior care is designed to provide seniors with continuous care and support, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need at any time of the day or night.
Let’s take a look at some of the clear signs that it may be time for this kind of care and the different types of around-the-clock care for seniors.
Key Takeaways
- Consideration for 24-hour home care typically arises as seniors age and daily activities become more stressful.
- Signs that it may be time to consider 24-hour home care include increased falls or accidents, wandering or getting lost, difficulty with mobility, increased forgetfulness or confusion, inability to manage medications properly, increased agitation or aggression, incontinence or difficulty with toileting, and chronic health conditions that require constant monitoring.
- Every senior is different, and care needs should be evaluated on an individual basis.
- 24-hour care involves multiple caregivers providing care around the clock, while live-in care involves one caregiver living in the senior’s home and being available 24/7.
- Benefits of 24-hour care include enhanced security, improved quality of life, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and peace of mind for family members.
- Types of 24-hour senior care include in-home care, assisted living, and memory care.
- Factors to consider when choosing a home care provider include background checks, deciding on an agency vs. independent caregivers, services required, and cost.
When is it time for 24-hour home care?
IN THIS ARTICLE
The consideration for 24-hour home care comes as seniors age. Daily activities become more stressful and if your loved one is on medication or needs medical assistance, having a nurse or caregiver around can make life easier.
But when is it time to consider 24-hour home care? Are there specific things to be on the lookout for?
Here are some signs that it may be time to consider 24/7 care:
- Increased falls or accidents
- Wandering or getting lost
- Difficulty with mobility
- Increased forgetfulness or confusion
- Inability to manage medications properly
- Increased agitation or aggression
- Incontinence or difficulty with toileting
- Chronic health conditions that require constant monitoring
If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to consider 24-hour home care.
Important note: Always remember that every senior is different, and their care needs will vary. It’s essential to evaluate their needs on an individual basis and determine what level of care is necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.
With around-the-clock care, seniors can receive the assistance they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Understanding 24-Hour Senior Care
So what exactly does 24-hour care look like for seniors?
24-hour care involves having multiple caregivers provide care around the clock to cover every hour of the day. This type of care can be provided in the comfort of the senior’s home, allowing them to age in place.
While around-the-clock care may not be the best fit for everyone, it is especially useful for seniors battling any chronic illness or condition such as arthritis and diabetes which can limit their mobility.
In addition, 24/7 in-home nurses and caregivers can carefully watch seniors with early on-set dementia or Alzheimer’s who may be prone to wandering and extreme forgetfulness.
The cost of 24-hour care varies depending on the location, level of care required, and other factors.
The average monthly cost of 24-hour care is $18,250 a year at a rate of $25 per hour. However, families can work with agencies, private caregivers, and nurse staffing agencies to find the best option for their loved one.
However, it should be noted that the cost of a caregiver increases depending on what care services are required.
For instance, a caregiver who assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) will be less expensive than a registered nurse who can assist with ADLs and also provide medication and IV treatments.
Now that we have a better understanding of 24-hour care, let’s discuss some of the benefits of this service.
Benefits of 24-Hour Senior Care
1. Enhanced Security
One of the main benefits of 24-hour care is enhanced security.
Safety is a key concern for vulnerable seniors, and having caregivers always present can provide a reassuring sense of health protection for your loved one.
This can provide peace of mind for family members who may not be able to be with their loved ones 24/7.
With caregivers or nurses always present, they can respond to emergencies quickly and prevent accidents from happening.
2. Improved Quality of Life
The social interaction a senior receives from multiple caregivers or nurses throughout the day can have a significant impact on their overall mental health.
Seniors who receive 24-hour care have access to constant companionship and mental stimulation, which can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression.
Caregivers can engage seniors in activities they enjoy, such as reading, playing games, or going for walks, which can help improve their overall well-being.
3. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
24-hour care can also help seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
With around-the-clock care, seniors can receive assistance with these tasks whenever they need it, which can help them maintain their independence and dignity.
4. Medication Management
If a senior has multiple pills they must take or require injections, a private duty nurse offering around-the-clock care can handle all aspects of medication management.
This relieves stress from both seniors and their families.
5. Peace of Mind
Finally, 24-hour care can provide peace of mind for family members.
Knowing that their loved one is receiving high-quality care around the clock can help reduce stress and anxiety for family members who may be worried about their loved one’s safety and well-being.
Types of 24-Hour Senior Care
When it comes to providing care for seniors who require around-the-clock assistance, there are a few different options available.
Here are the three main types of 24-hour senior care:
In-Home Care
In-home care involves a caregiver coming to the senior’s home to provide assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
If the senior requires medical care, a private duty nurse could provide in-home senior care and ensure all medication and nursing care are taken care of.
This type of care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own home while still receiving the help they need.
Many seniors prefer aging in place, so in-home care can be a good option for seniors who are still relatively independent but need some extra support.
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who require more extensive care than can be provided at home.
These specific facilities provide 24-hour supervision, assistance with daily tasks, and medical care as needed.
Seniors who live in assisted living facilities typically have their own private rooms or apartments and can participate in social activities and events.
Memory Care
Memory care is a type of specialized care designed for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
These facilities provide a safe and secure environment for seniors with memory issues, with staff trained to provide specialized care and support.
Memory care facilities often have additional security measures in place, such as locked doors and alarms, to prevent residents from wandering off.
Typical Roles of Home Caregivers and Nurses
Caregivers and in-home nurses provide a range of services to ensure that the elderly receive the care they need to maintain their quality of life.
Personal Care
Personal care is one of the primary responsibilities of caregivers.
They help seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting, grooming, and getting around the home.
This includes mobility, transfers, and positioning to prevent bedsores.
Home nurses ensure that seniors take their medications on time and follow their treatment plans. They monitor vital signs and report any changes in health to the senior’s primary physician.
Companion Care
Companion care is another critical aspect of caregiving.
In-home nurses and caregivers provide emotional support and companionship to seniors who may feel lonely or isolated.
They engage seniors in meaningful activities such as playing games, eating meals, reading books, or watching movies.
They also encourage seniors to socialize with family and friends and participate in community events.
Not only is the social aspect beneficial, but private duty nurses and caregivers can provide respite care to family members who need a break from caregiving.
Errands and Transportation
It can be difficult for seniors to get around town.
Whether it’s shopping for groceries, birthday present shopping for family members, medical appointments, or getting meals, caregivers offer assistance wherever transportation needs are required. Even light housekeeping is an option.
Caregivers and in-home nurses ensure that seniors are safe and comfortable during transportation and provide assistance as needed.
What is the Difference between 24-hour care and live-in care?
When it comes to around-the-clock senior care, there are different types of care to choose from. Two of the most common types of care are 24-hour care and live-in care.
24-Hour Care
24-hour care is a type of care where multiple caregivers or nurses provide round-the-clock assistance to the senior.
The healthcare professionals often work in shifts, typically 12-hour shifts each, to ensure that the senior has someone available to assist them at all times. The number of caregivers required will depend on the level of care needed by the senior.
One of the advantages of 24-hour care is that it provides constant supervision and support to the senior and can be tailored to the senior’s specific needs and preferences.
Live-In Care
Live-in care is a type of care where a caregiver lives with the senior in their home.
The live-in caregiver provides assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and other tasks as needed. The caregiver is available to the senior at all times, but they are allowed to sleep during the night.
However, since the caregiver is sleeping during the night, this option may not be best for seniors who require supervision during nighttime hours.
Choosing a Home Care Provider
When choosing an in-home care provider for your loved one, there are several factors to consider.
For instance, it is important to find a provider that is reliable, trustworthy, and provides quality care.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a home care provider:
Background Checks
It is important to ensure that the home care provider conducts thorough background checks on their caregivers.
This includes criminal background checks, reference checks, and employment verification. This will help you feel more confident in the quality of care your loved one is receiving.
Agency vs. Independent Caregivers
You have the option to choose between a staffing agency or an independent caregiver. A caregiving or nurse staffing agency will provide a care team for your loved one, while an independent caregiver will work one-on-one with your loved one.
It is important to note that more often than not agencies will have more resources available and can provide more comprehensive care, but independent caregivers may provide more personalized care.
Care Team
If you choose to go with an agency, make sure to ask about their care team.
This includes the caregivers, nurses, and any other staff members who will be involved in your loved one’s care.
Do they offer home health aides, professional caregivers, LVNs, or RNs? Is skilled nursing care better than personal care services from a caregiver? What is the difference between an LVN and an RN?
Gather as much information as possible to ensure you make the best choice for your elderly loved one. You want to make sure that the care team is experienced, professional, and compassionate.
Cost
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a home care provider. More often than not, you’ll be paying an hourly fee for the caregiver or nurse’s services.
Make sure to ask about the cost of services and any additional fees that may be involved. It is also important to ask about insurance coverage and payment options.
Helpful Tips for Senior Care
Caring for seniors can be challenging, especially when they require 24-hour home care services.
Here is a list of practical tips for nurses, CNAs, or experienced caregivers to ensure the best care possible is given.
- Establish a routine: Seniors thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish a daily schedule that includes meals, medication reminders, grooming, and other activities.
- Encourage social interaction: Loneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on seniors’ mental and physical health. Encourage them to participate in social activities, such as joining a senior center or attending community events.
- Monitor their health: Keep track of seniors’ health by scheduling regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. There is variability here, as a senior with arthritis would need different monitoring than an individual requiring dementia care.
- Medication management: Seniors often take multiple medications, which can be confusing and overwhelming. Make sure to keep track of their medications and ensure they are taking them as prescribed.
- Encourage hobbies: Encourage seniors to engage in hobbies they enjoy, such as reading, writing, gardening, or painting. This can help reduce stress and improve their overall wellbeing.
- Consider dietary restrictions: Seniors may have dietary restrictions due to health issues. Make sure to plan meals that are appropriate for their needs. Regardless, seniors require a balanced diet to maintain their health. Plan meals that are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients.
- Assist with grooming: Seniors may require assistance with grooming, such as bathing, dressing, and hair care. Make sure to provide them with the necessary support to maintain their hygiene.
- Promote independence: Encourage seniors to maintain their independence as much as possible. Make sure your care plan provides them with tools and resources that can help them perform daily tasks on their own.
- Use technology: There are many apps and devices that can help seniors manage their medications, along with social apps like FaceBook and FaceTime which can help keep seniors connected to their loved ones.
- Remove hazards: Seniors are at a higher risk of falling, so it’s important to remove hazards from their home, such as loose rugs, flimsy furniture, and clutter.
- Install grab bars: Installing grab bars in the bathroom and other areas of the home can help seniors maintain their balance and prevent falls.
By following these practical tips, caregivers can provide seniors with the best possible care and help them maintain their health and well-being.
Get Exceptional 24-Hour Senior Care Today
If your elderly loved one would benefit from 24/7 senior care, NurseRegistry can help.
We are a nurse staffing agency that will intricately match your loved one with a nurse who is compatible based on personality, skill level, and experience.
We only work with RNs and LVNs to ensure premier care and with over 500 nurses we can confidently provide the senior in your life with a high-quality professional.
That also means that our nurse’s full-time care services cover the complete spectrum from assistance with activities of daily living to medication management and IV therapy.
Choose peace of mind and make sure your loved one is consistently cared for by a high-end nurse.
Click below to speak with a member of our team and start the process of getting your loved one 24-hour care today.
