If you have an elderly parent that is starting to have health problems, you are most likely very concerned about the future. When your parent becomes too ill to do routine things without help or without medical care, you will need to make a decision about their living arrangements. Here are some points to consider when deciding whether to have a home health care service come to your parents home or whether to have your parent move into a nursing home.

How Much Care Will Be Needed?

The severity of your parent's medical problem will help you determine which course of action you would like to take. If your parent is able to get around fairly well, and is still coherent enough to be able to do simple household chores without difficulty, having a home health care worker come to check on your parent daily may be the answer. If your parent is having a lot of difficult getting around or with their medical troubles, you may want to think about having them go to a facility that can monitor their health a little closer.

What Will Insurance Help With?

You will need to call your parent's insurance company to see exactly what is covered under their plan. This may help you decide which kind of treatment you will be able to get for your parent. If the funds are not readily available for one of these alternatives, you will need to figure out another way to fund the help.

This can become a financial burden for you if not handled properly. Be sure to find out all of the benefits that your parent's insurance does offer. There may be another alternative that was not thought of that the insurance may be able to help with.

What Does Home Health Care Do?

A home health care worker will be able to administer medication and take care of any wounds that your parent has. They can assist with physical therapy and help with any medical needs that your parent has. They work closely with your parent's doctor to make sure that your parent is responding well to treatment. Light chores around the home may be administered, as well. The downside to home health care is that it is administered daily, but not on a 24 hour basis.

What Does A Nursing Home Do?

A nursing home will provide housing for your parent. They will be able to monitor all medical needs on-site and there is a doctor readily available at all times in case of an emergency. Someone would always be available to help, the downside is that your parent would need to move to a new location and may feel as if they no longer are in control of how they live their life.

If you want to know more or have other questions, try contacting a company like Sunrise Home Health with any questions or concerns you have.