Hiring a caregiver for your loved one can have several benefits, not the least of which is convenience. Beyond allowing you some time to make some headway on life’s never-ending to-do list, hiring a caregiver can help those with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other medical conditions live more comfortably at home. Below are eight benefits that come from hiring an in-home caregiver.

1. Save Money

Rather than needing to pay for an assisted-living or nursing-home facility or hiring a home health aide who could charge more than $100 an hour, you can get the help you need at home. The average rate for an in-home caregiver is $20 to $25 per hour, depending on your area. If your loved one requires very little help, this could be a much cheaper option than assisted living or other facilities.

2. Look Your Best

Many in-home caregivers take good care of their clients’ grooming and hygiene needs. It is important that you also work on taking better care of yourself and your loved one, rather than ignoring your own basic needs. This is especially important if you have aging parents who still require assistance with their hygiene.

3. Allow For Good Caregiver/Client Communication

While you may want to communicate with your caregivers, this might be difficult because of their busy schedules. If you hire a caregiver, though, they can better take care of your loved one as well as take the time to listen and engage with them. This means that even if you’re not ready to hire a caregiver yet, you can still set yourself up for good communication with the right person when the time is right. You should still find someone who will allow you to communicate with them once you are ready.

4. Professional Help

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, or feeling anxiety, a caregiver can provide you with professional insight and have the knowledge and resources to deal with these issues. Caregivers are also equipped with first aid and CPR training and must go through a CPR certification renewal process to ensure they are up to date with safety procedures. This can help you stay calm in the event of sudden emergencies. They can also help you come up with solutions for any behavioral issues so that both the caregiver and your loved one feel more comfortable.

5. Peace of Mind

While you want to be the primary care for your loved one, having someone around to help while you take a break can take a huge burden off your shoulders, especially if they are not comfortable for you to leave alone. A caregiver can act as another set of eyes and ears when it comes to ensuring that your loved one is safe. They can also help your loved one learn new skills and do daily tasks. This can help him, or her feel more independent, which is a big part of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care.

6. Compassionate and Caring

Most in-home caregivers are compassionate, caring individuals who want to help their clients and make a positive difference in their lives. They can help your loved one feel cared for and loved, which is often the best treatment plan for Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions such as dementia. Keep your personal life in order by hiring an in-home caregiver, which can make a difference in how you interact with your loved one.

7. Minimal Discomfort

Because in-home caregivers are usually near their clients, they can make sure that your loved one is not uncomfortable with the way their body feels. That means you don’t need to tell your loved one when they have lost weight constantly, have gained weight, or have started to develop bedsores. You can give them better care because there isn’t as much to take care of. This can be especially helpful to people who are very active or have fallen and cannot get up independently.

8. Help in the Long Term

When you hire an in-home caregiver, there is no limit on the amount of time they can help you or your loved one. They can also help you transition to a different caregiver when it’s time for them to move on. This means you have someone who has experience in this field so that they can be more helpful in the long run.

Conclusion

Hiring an in-home caregiver can bring several benefits for both you and your loved one. It’s helpful because it allows you to better care for your loved ones while allowing for a less stressful personal life. Your loved one can benefit from the compassionate and caring environment that most in-home caregivers provide.