Once you have evaluated and decided that you are going to need professional caregiver help with your aging parents, you need to figure out how many hours of care will be needed.

If your loved one requires more than a few hours of care per day, you’ll also need to understand the distinction between caregivers who work in shifts and those who are “live-in” caregivers. As the name implies, a live-in caregiver resides in an elder’s home. Shift caregivers, on the other hand, leave after their designated care period is over.

Deciding which situation—live-in or shift caregiver—is best for your loved one should be based on several factors:

• How many hours of care is needed: Elders who need more than 12 hours of care per day may benefit from the services of a live-in caregiver.
• Does your loved one sleep through the night: Seniors with dementia and those plagued by Sundowner’s syndrome may be better off with shift workers, who never sleep while on duty. Live-in caregivers will need a full night’s sleep, meaning they won’t be able to look after your loved one all the time.
• How your loved one feels about having multiple caregivers: The primary benefit of a live-in caregiver is that they provide an elder who needs many hours of care with a consistent presence. Shift caregivers often work in blocks of eight or 12 hours, meaning multiple people may come and go each day, adding to your loved one’s stress and confusion.
• Which option is most cost-effective: Cost is a huge factor when searching for home care. Live-in caregivers tend to cost more than shift caregivers and there are additional security considerations to take into account.

Professional Caregiver

At Assisting Hands^® Home Care, our skilled caregivers provide companionship for our clients and make sure they are eating right and getting the appropriate physical activity. Whether you need someone to be with you or your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at-home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

If you need live-in care or 24 hour home care services in Brookfield, Elm Grove and Pewaukee, Wisconsin area, call Assisting Hands Home Care at (262) 753-6652. Request a free in-home consultation.