As we age, we increasingly rely on help from others. For some, technology becomes challenging, while others face mounting health issues. Eventually, many elderly individuals require care for a few hours or even around the clock. Families are typically the first to provide this support, but it comes at a significant personal cost. Professional services can ensure a higher level of care, but they aren’t free. Let’s explore the pros and cons of professional caregiving and family resources in Cambodia.
Relatives as Caregivers in Cambodia: Pros and Cons
Family care remains the most common form of support when parents or relatives age and need assistance. In Cambodia, this is the standard approach, whereas in Western countries, many struggle to find time away from work for caregiving.
Pros for Family Care:
- Familiar Faces: Elderly individuals, especially those in early stages of dementia, often feel uncomfortable with change and prefer to be surrounded by familiar people.
- Cost-Effectiveness: For those without insurance, family care is the most affordable home care option in Cambodia and many other cultures.
Cons for Family Caregiving:
- Lack of Objectivity: Family members’ close relationships can impair their ability to make objective decisions, particularly regarding the independence of the person being cared for.
- Limited Professional Expertise: Despite their best intentions, family members may lack specialized knowledge needed to address complex health conditions like dementia or stroke.
- Economic Impact: Family care isn’t truly free. Caregiving family members often cannot work, resulting in lost income. This is an increasing concern in Cambodia, where dual-income households are becoming more common.
- Caregiver Stress: Caring for an elderly relative can be emotionally and physically exhausting, which can negatively impact both the caregiver and the person receiving care.
Professional Care Services in Cambodia: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Professional care services in Cambodia can significantly improve the lives and well-being of elderly individuals.
- Professional Assessment: Trained caregivers can make informed evaluations about the most appropriate care approach, focusing on maintaining the client’s independence for as long as possible.
Why Avoid Untrained Caregivers
While hiring untrained workers (typically female maids or helpers) might seem like a cost-effective solution in Cambodia and other countries, it comes with significant drawbacks compared to professional caregiving.
Concerns with Untrained Caregivers:
- Excessive Working Hours: A survey by Home Care Cambodia revealed that the average work time is 10-11 hours, with live-in maids often working even longer. While Cambodian labor law stipulates a 48-hour work week, professional care services typically adhere to 8-9 hour workdays with Sundays off.
- Lack of Backup Support: When an untrained caregiver is sick or on vacation, the care recipient is left vulnerable, often requiring emergency family intervention.
- Limited Professional Knowledge: Professionally trained staff, like those at Home Care Cambodia (trained through specialized courses), have the skills to:
- Assess a person’s physical condition
- Identify potential health risks like bed sores
- Evaluate mobility limitations
- Recognize and address mental health challenges
Untrained personnel might overlook critical signs of illness, potentially endangering the care recipient’s health.
Home Care Services in Siem Reap
We offer comprehensive home care for both expats and Cambodians, operating Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, with flexible scheduling options. Our services can be booked hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. Contact us today to create a tailored care schedule and receive pricing information. 015529224 (phone or telegram) or info@homecare-cambodia.com
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