Our Cowichan Valley Home Care Services

When the Time Comes for Care – What Are the Options?

Do Nothing/Wait and See

This option is the poorest with sometimes tragic consequences. Falls, accidents, home fires, over/under medication and sadly sometimes, even death can occur.

Family/Friend's Help

Families and friends initially have good intentions. Today’s family, as well as friends, lead busy lives with little time available to take on the responsibility of providing the daunting task and time required for in-home care. This option results in family/friends divisiveness and guilt.

Move-in with Family

Again – good intentions. Family are often not aware of the full extent of commitment involved. The responsibilities only increase as loved one’s health declines. Caregiver burnout occurs. Family dynamics often interfere, causing negative results.

Private Hiring of a Care Provider

This is an option to be avoided. Standard employment regulations in BC deem you are the “employer” and the care person is the “employee”. By law, you are required to pay WCB/vacation pay, EI, health, and liability insurance. If you do not meet these requirements, legal action can be taken against you.

Professional boundaries start to breakdown, leading to advantages being taken by the care provider. Care providers can become emotionally involved with a client. Critical decisions are made by the provider without family consultation. Financial misappropriations are not uncommon. Sometimes, there is physical and mental abuse as well as a feeling of total control by the provider. Accidental injury or perceived sexual harassment to the care provider can result in legal action being taken by the care provider against the client or family.

Community/Government Subsidized Home Care

All control by family and client is relinquished. Care is assessed to a minimum. Inconsistent care providers, hours, and quality of care are the norm. Level of frustration by the client and family gets extremely high. The client must abide by a list of government care policies. Little or no recourse can be taken by either client or family. Surprisingly, some “subsidized rates” charged exceed private rates. Overall care is generally inadequate.

Government Subsidized Institutional Placement

All control by family and client is relinquished. Government institutions are poorly staffed with little one-to-one care. Bathing is infrequent. Patients endure a daily ritual process. Patients are often sedated. Overall care is generally inadequate.

Private Home/Facility

Definitely a “buyer beware” venture. Monthly rates are high and vary with many add-on costs from everything to carpet-spill clean-ups, transportation and extra laundry. Most private homes keep their clientele under nine to avoid being government-regulated and inspected. Staffing is to the minimum for higher profits. Just like private home care agencies in BC, no standards of employment, insurance or accreditation is required to own and operate a private care facility. Quality of care, hygiene, and meals greatly vary. Also, most private facilities will not maintain an existing client if their health declines and they are required to provide a higher depth of care. If additional care is required for any time period, clients must hire additional outside private care. The client can be discharged at the facility’s discretion.

Private Home Care Agency

This is by far the best option for most people. Private home care can provide the best level of quality, compassionate, and personalised care. Your loved one deserves to stay in their home environment for as long as possible. Click here to find out why Unique Home Health Care is your best choice and option.