hiring a home health care worker after a stroke

If you're a senior with a spouse who has become disabled due to an accident or a medical condition such as Alzheimer's, then you're faced with difficult decisions. One of those decisions is whether you'll care for your spouse at home or consider nursing home placement. Even if you're in good health and physically fit, caring for a spouse at home can take a toll on your health, so it may not be a good idea to try to do it alone. The solution is to hire a home health care service to come to your home on a full or part time basis to offer some help. Here are some reasons why home health care is a good idea.

Allows Your Spouse To Live At Home

There are some cases where it might be safer and better for your spouse to go into a nursing home. However, it might be possible to keep your loved one at home as long as you have help with daily care. This could do a great deal for keeping your spouse's spirits high and for improving quality of life if your loved one is around familiar surroundings and family.

Provides Easier Access To Equipment

Insurance pays for some medical equipment you need, but it may not cover everything. Essential supplies such as oxygen and wheelchairs may be covered, but something like a patient lift may not. These are very expensive to buy, but one may be necessary so you can get your spouse out of bed every day without hurting your back. When you bring in a home health company, you should also get access to their medical equipment. At the very least, you'll get advice on the things you need to buy and how you can get things you can't afford so you can transfer, bathe, and feed your spouse without stressing yourself.

Offers Medical Supervision

While the most help will probably come from a nursing assistant who helps with daily care, a home health company may also provide regular visits from a nurse. This gives you peace of mind that your spouse's care and health is being monitored so you can avoid problems with malnutrition, bed sores, infections, and muscle wasting due to inactivity. The nurse can recommend treatments and stay in contact with your spouse's doctor to make sure the very best care is given to make your loved one happy, healthy, and comfortable.

Gives You Personal Time

Caregiving is stressful and demanding. One of the best things about bringing in additional help is that you have a chance to relax. You might want to take a nap, go to the movies, or even visit your children out of town for the weekend. Plus, if you get sick, you can rest and take care of yourself knowing your spouse is cared for by qualified caregivers.

Home health care could be the solution you need so you can care for your disabled spouse in a way that benefits the both of you. While caregiving in your home can be stressful, it is also stressful having your spouse away from you in a nursing home you have to visit frequently. Staying at home could be the best as long as you have help with lifting and doing other tasks that could wear you out or hurt you.