Last year was the craziest we have experienced. In elder law, it has been pronounced. We have seen more clients die this year and not just from Covid 19 but also from natural causes and, we presume, from loneliness and common ailments that might be caught sooner if a family was able to visit.
Elder Caregivers in 2021
As for trends, we have seen fewer clients going to nursing homes and assisted livings and rather staying at home. Presumably, as nursing homes become safer and also open to visits, there will be more elders moving to congregate living.
So, what can you do? If you are keeping a parent home, there are planning options and if your loved one is going to a congregate-care facility, there is something you can do.
Options to Providing At-Home Care for Your Elderly Loved One
Many elders live at home with no help. This is a very dangerous option.
When an elder needs help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, and ambulating, and they don’t get help, they run a significant risk of ending up in a nursing home because of a fall or worse.
1. Hire an Elder Caregiver from a Home Health Care Company
One way to prevent this danger zone is to have a home health care company provide elder caregivers. This is a good option but can be very expensive at around $25.00 per hour.
2. Do it Yourself
Many decide to either move in with their parent or have them move in with them to save the expense of a stranger or to prevent the risk of Covid-19 from too many outsiders coming into contact with their loved ones.
Additionally, you may even qualify to get compensation for caring for your parent in their home. Many seniors are eligible for a home and community-based services program (HCBS). or Ohio’s ESP program. Ohio’s Elderly Services Program (ESP) is a non-Medicaid program that helps elderly persons remain living at home or within their community. This program allows certain family members, excluding spouses and legal guardians, to be hired and paid as the personal care provider.
Discuss Your Options With an ElderCare Attorney
Now that vaccinations are up, families are reassessing their plans. Even though many facilities have brought their COVID cases down, it is still not enough to change consumer behaviors. The bottom line is that each family is different and a good talk with an elder care attorney can help families make informed, activated decisions.
