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Guidelines & Resources for 24-Hour In-Home Care

November 8, 2023
Giselle Bardwell
As our parents age, their health and mobility may decline, making it difficult for them to care for themselves. In many cases, 24-hour home care is an effective and valuable resource that allows aging parents to receive the necessary care and support in the comfort of their own home. 
Let’s explore some guidelines to follow when considering 24-hour nursing care at home for aging parents, as well as the different resources available for families seeking this type of care.


Understanding 24-Hour In-Home Care

What is 24-Hour In-Home Care? 

24-hour in-home care refers to caregiving services, both medical and non-medical, that are provided in the home of an individual who requires ongoing assistance and support. This type of care may be needed for a variety of reasons, such as after surgery or illness, or due to age-related conditions that affect an individual's ability to care for themselves.

In most instances, this refers to an aging parent who needs 24-hour assistance and monitoring without moving them into a nursing home. Most elderly parents would prefer to stay in their home as long as possible. Besides personal preference, there are added benefits of parents aging gracefully at home.


Benefits of 24-Hour In-Home Care

As we delve into the realm of 24-hour in-home care, it becomes apparent that the nuanced advantages extend beyond conventional care solutions, fostering a personalized and empowering environment for aging parents.
  1. Increased Comfort and Familiarity: Allows aging parents to receive care in the comfort of their own home, which is especially beneficial for those with conditions affecting their adaptability.
  2. Personalized Care: Tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual, ensuring the best possible care and support.
  3. Reduced Risk of Infection: Limits exposure to illness by avoiding contact with potentially sick individuals. This is crucial for aging parents more susceptible to infections.
  4. Cost-Effective: A more affordable alternative to nursing homes or assisted living facilities, helping families avoid high institutional care costs.
  5. Increased Independence: Enables aging parents to maintain independence by continuing to live in their own home, particularly important for those valuing autonomy.


Assess Your Parents’ Needs

Before considering 24-hour in-home care for your aging parents, it is important to assess their individual needs. This may involve consulting with their healthcare provider or a geriatric care manager to identify any medical or non-medical needs that should be addressed. Some key factors to consider include:
  • Mobility: Are your parents able to move around their home safely, or do they require assistance with tasks such as transferring in and out of bed or using the bathroom?
  • Personal Care: Do your parents require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing?
  • Medication Management: Do your parents require assistance with medication management, including taking their medications on time and in the correct dosage?
  • Safety: Are there any safety concerns in your parents' home that should be addressed, such as loose carpets or uneven flooring?
  • Social Needs: Do your parents require companionship or assistance with social activities, such as attending events or staying in touch with friends and family?
By identifying your parents' individual needs, you can help ensure that the 24-hour nursing care they receive at home is tailored to their unique circumstances.
 

         
 

Choosing the Right 24-Hour Home Care

Research In-Home Care Providers

Once you have assessed your parents' needs, the next step is to research 24-hour in-home care providers in the Cleveland area. It is important to choose a reputable and reliable provider that has a track record of providing high-quality care. Some factors to consider when researching home care providers include:
  • Licensing and Accreditation: Does the provider have the necessary licensing and accreditation to provide home care services in your state?
  • Reputation: Does the provider have a positive reputation in Northeast Ohio? Are they well-respected and recommended by other healthcare professionals?
  • Experience: How long has the provider been in business, and what experience do they have providing 24-hour private nursing care?
  • Staff Qualifications: What qualifications and experience do the provider's staff members have, including nurses and nursing assistants?
  • Services Offered: What services does the provider offer, and are they tailored to your parents' specific needs?
By carefully researching private duty home care providers, you can choose an organization that offers the services and support your elderly parents need to stay safe and comfortable in their home.


Types of 24-Hour In-Home Care Resources

Various specialized resources cater to the diverse needs of individuals requiring 24-hour home care, offering a spectrum of services ranging from medical assistance to emotional support in the familiar setting of their homes.

#1: Private In-Home Care Agencies 

These agencies provide a range of services, including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. They often employ certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other healthcare professionals.

#2: Medicare-Certified Home Health Agencies

Licensed by the federal government, these agencies offer medical services like skilled nursing, physical therapy, and speech therapy. They may also provide non-medical services, covered by Medicare.

#3: Hospice Care Providers 

Specializing in end-of-life care, hospice providers focus on comfort and support. They offer pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with personal care in the home setting.

#4: Geriatric Care Managers 

Healthcare professionals who coordinate care for aging adults, helping with medical appointments, coordinating care with other providers, managing medications, and navigating complex healthcare systems.


Create a Care Plan

Once you have identified an in-home care provider, the next step is to create a care plan that outlines the specific services and support your parents will receive. This care plan should be developed in collaboration with the in-home care provider, your parents' healthcare provider, and any other healthcare professionals involved in their care. Some key factors to consider when creating a care plan include:
  • Services and Support: What specific services will the private duty care provider offer, such as assistance with personal care, medication management, or meal preparation?
  • Schedule: What will the schedule for care look like, including when the home care provider will be present and what tasks they will perform?
  • Emergency Plan: What will the in-home care provider do in the event of an emergency, such as a fall or sudden change in health status?
  • Communication Plan: How will the private nursing provider communicate with you and your parents' healthcare provider, including sharing updates on their health and well-being?
By creating a comprehensive care plan, you can ensure that your parents receive the necessary care and support to maintain their health and well-being every hour of the day.

In conclusion, the realm of 24-hour in-home care not only addresses the practical aspects of caregiving but also fosters a sense of empowerment and individualized support for aging parents. Choosing this path provides them with increased comfort, personalized care, reduced infection risk, cost-effectiveness, and the valuable preservation of independence in familiar surroundings. 

Before embarking on this journey, carefully assessing your parents' needs and conducting thorough research on reputable in-home care providers are crucial steps. Consider the diverse types of resources available, each offering unique services tailored to specific requirements. 

As you navigate this process, remember that creating a meticulous care plan in collaboration with a trusted provider ensures your parents receive the round-the-clock care they deserve. 

If you have any questions or need guidance on 24-hour in-home care, don't hesitate to reach out to BrightStar Cleveland – your dedicated partner in providing compassionate and comprehensive care for your aging loved ones. We’re here for you 24/7 by calling 440.613.1500 or filling out the form via our website.