The two-parent household was a relatively new idea in the post-World War II boom. Generations that followed may have thought this household configuration was the norm. But prior to the 1940’s, multi-generational households with grandparents, parents, minor children, and even adult children, cousins, and other relatives were the norm in the United States. Since the recession in 2007/08, the number of residences which now house multiple family generations is back on the rise.
Young adults who came of age just as the recession hit have difficulty maintaining steady jobs and building careers, while older adults have found the equity in their homes diminished. Those already deep into their careers when the recession hit had to adjust to an unsteady job market that often required switching careers completely, going back to school, or competing with their adult children for side gigs.
In this economic climate, families have been able to reduce costs by sharing household space and family responsibilities. This has had many ramifications on the care available to the elderly, and has coincided with the popularity of home healthcare services as more seniors choose to age in place.
More Seniors Aging in Place
With more generations under one roof, it has become easier for seniors to stay at home longer, even while they recover from surgery or a long illness. Having other family members at home to look out for them has made staying home a much more attractive option.
Generations on the Move
But just because there are more potential helping hands at home doesn’t mean caring for elderly parents or grandparents full-time is any easier. Requests for home care for seniors have increased as the costs of care in hospitals has gone up. Having a home healthcare professional in the home ensures that seniors or those recovering from illness are getting a higher quality of care than even their family could provide. It also reduces the care giving required by family members, freeing them to contribute to the household in other ways.
Affordable Care Options
What many households find is that a little extra help for an elderly parent or grandparent after an injury or long illness can alleviate some of these pressures – including the financial ones. This is where home healthcare can provide a significant amount of help for families. Home healthcare services required to care for or help rehabilitate a family member after surgery or illness may also be covered by insurance companies and Medicare providers.
Are you interested in exploring your alternatives for home-based healthcare? Graceworks at Home is a licensed and approved Medicare provider that offers skilled physical, occupational, speech therapy, IV therapy, wound care services, and medical and social services. Contact us for more information about how we can help provide care for your family to ensure that everyone under your roof can live their best life.
