Dispel Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Elderly Nurses

Many elderly people now choose to live in their own homes or with their children and grandchildren. However, when families are quite busy they can utilize home care personnel. It's just a shame, there are still many people who still believe in myths and misunderstandings about home care nurses.

Until now many people are still reluctant to use health services for their families. This is more or less due to the existence of myths surrounding elderly nurses who often invite misunderstanding. Here are some myths and misconceptions surrounding elderly nurses:

Myth: Elderly Nurses are only for Severe Patients

Fact: Your parents don't need to get sick, recover from injuries or surgery to receive health care at home. Home care usually includes two different types of care. First is home health care provided by medical professionals such as elderly nurses who can take care of the medical needs of your loved ones.

Home health care may be needed for various types of therapy as well. Physical therapy, occupational and speech services can all be provided through home health care.

The second type of home care is non-medical home care (caregiver). Non-medical home care is provided by professional caregivers. These workers do not have medical certificates but they have been trained to treat patients at home. Non-medical care can provide your loved ones with personal care and help with some homework such as washing, cleaning the house, cooking, and personal care.

Myth: Home care is too expensive

Fact: Many families are often intimidated by the cost of home care. They believe that elderly nurses at home are too expensive and make them uncomfortable. In fact, home health care is one of the most affordable choices for health care for your loved ones.

In fact, health care at home is usually far more affordable than nursing homes or assisted living facilities. At a nursing home you have to pay for rooms, a variety of facilities are available (though not necessarily all of them are used).

Only indeed, if your parents do need twenty-four hours of care per day it is rather expensive. However, most seniors only need a few hours of care per day or per week. With home health care caregivers, you only need to pay the amount of care received by your loved ones. So the issue of expensive costs in home care, elderly nurses is expensive is not right.

Myth: You and Your Parents Can't Choose Elderly Nurses

Fact: Not a few people who believe that if they hire service personnel, they have no chance of choosing an elderly nurse assigned.

Actually, this is completely wrong. Most health services actually allow their customers to meet several different prospective elderly nurses. Then, you and your parents can choose for your most suitable parents.

Myth: Elderly Nurses Will Limit the Freedom of Elderly

Fact: Many elderly people believe that if they give in to the demands of their families to be accompanied by a caregiver, they will lose their independence. However, the opposite is actually true.

Elderly patients who live more alone at home are at greater risk of falling, injured, compared to older people who have caregivers or family members who live with them. If the elderly live alone, it should always be reminded that they are careful not to fall. Because if they fall, they will be injured and lose their freedom until they recover.

The existence of a caregiver can be accompanied and assisted in their daily activities such as running errands, cooking food, doing housework and others. Elderly people should feel more comfortable when there are elderly nurses at home. Especially if they have certain conditions.

Myth: All the Elderly Nurse Services are the Same

Fact: Every elderly nurse service (health care provider) may differ from one another. Some do have services that suit the needs and desires of the elderly. Therefore, when looking for an elderly nursing service provider, you must know the right information about the services they provide.

You can ask your relatives, friends, or community to provide the best reference for your parents.
Nowadays living with family or at home is not a bad idea. In fact, the majority of Indonesian people currently 90 percent of the elderly choose to live at home with their families. Therefore, it is actually natural if you feel ‘overwhelmed, 'caring for parents alone and need a solution. Don't feel guilty about this because of the many activities of your own family.

Consider using an elderly nurse at home that will greatly help you. At least you will feel safe when you leave your parents at home. While the elderly themselves also feel comfortable being at home in the midst of family attention as well as assistance from elderly nurses.