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Home Health Care Advice for the Sandwich Generation

Home Health Care in Clark NJ

Home Health Care in Clark NJ

As senior parents age and need assistance beyond what family members can give, many children look to home health care. But the demands of being a member of the “sandwich generation” – Home Health Care in Clark NJ simultaneously caring for aging parents and adult children at the same time – can put some in quite a bind. Not only financially, either; many individuals responsible for both parents and children find themselves emotionally, mentally, physically and socially pressed as well.

For those facing this situation, it’s important to know the facts. This article will cover some of the realities of home care for today’s sandwich generation members, so that they can feel informed and make the best possible elder care choices for their beloved family members.

Explore Choice

There are many, many home health care providers. According to a 2012 Centers for Disease Control count, there were 12,200 home care agencies in the United States. This offers a lot of choice for children searching for the best senior care options for aging parents. Because sandwich generation members may have financial concerns, they should research agencies to find one that fits their price range and other needs.

Remember that Many Seniors Receive Home Care

As of 2011, according to the CDC, 4.7 million people received home health care. According to the University of Chicago, that number may be as high as 12 million if all forms of home health care are taken into account.

Many of today’s adult children are faced with making decisions about how their aging parents will be cared for and considering choices such as nursing homes, home health care or providing caregiver services themselves. They may feel guilty about choosing to outsource care to a professional, especially if a parent only needs a few hours of help a week and they “could” technically do it themselves. These numbers prove that many seniors receive home care, and there is no shame in making the same choice.

Find Important Information

When trying to help an agent parent, it is important to be fully informed. Does the parent have an advanced directive? What does it say? Is there a will? How do parents prefer to be cared for in case of dementia or Alzheimer’s? Are all diagnoses up to date? Before making a choice about home health care, it can be very helpful to find the answers to these questions, which may involve talking to the parent.

Deciding whether or not to go with home health care can be stressful for adult children, but often seniors are happier with some form of professional elder care that helps them maintain their lifestyle and preserve their dignity. Members of the sandwich generation have a lot on their plates, and shouldn’t shy away from home care as a viable and beneficial option.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Clark, NJ call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at (908-418-4299).
Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.

Robert D'Arienzo

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