Of the 1,000 adults polled in a recent survey, 75% said they would prefer recovering at home instead of in an institutional setting after a serious health event.
According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has only solidified this opinion: “As consumers live through the ongoing public health emergency and read about the dangers of facility-based care, many are hoping all health care shifts into the home.”
This is great news for the at-home care industry, not only, but also for the many caregivers facing a decision between finding a job in a medical facility or in an at-home care setting. As more and more seniors choose to enjoy care in the familiar comforts of home — whether help recovering after surgery or ongoing assistance with activities of daily living — opportunities for caregivers will continue to grow.
But the growth of at-home care and its advantages for long-term job security isn’t the only benefit for caregivers. Here are a few more reasons to choose to work in at-home care:
- The at-home setting can be calmer and more relaxed. In at-home care, workers can generally choose more flexible hours and work at a slower pace. In each home, there typically is just one person needing care. Instead of rushing from bed to bed, caregivers can focus their time and attention on one person — getting better acquainted with the person’s needs, not only, but also with the actual person, building lasting relationships that are so important for well-being.
- The flexibility of the at-home care setting also means that services can be better customized to the needs of each individual. Some people might simply need a companion to help with cooking and groceries, while others might need help remembering to take medications, getting dressed and attending doctors’ appointments.
- The home setting is more comfortable and familiar for those receiving care. Many long-term care facilities attempt to replicate for residents the feeling of living at home, but there is nothing like the real thing. At-home living is much more comfortable for residents — which can make at-home caregiving a more pleasant experience, too.
- Restrictions due to COVID-19 aren’t as broad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restrictions have been placed at the county and state levels on long-term care facilities, restricting such things as who can visit and when. In at-home care, caregivers have more flexibility to care for clients according to the clients’ wishes.
Further reading: Why work in at-home care?
If you are a nursing assistant or caregiver looking for fulfilling employment in Whatcom County, please consider Take My Hand At-Home Care.
