What is Home Care?

Home care is non-medical caregiving and assistance provided in the client's home.  Care may include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, transferring, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and more.  It does not include medical care or therapies.  Depending on the client's needs, they may receive assistance from a caregiver anywhere from four hours to 24 hours a day. 

 

Many seniors and their families choose home care as a way for the seniors to remain in their own homes as their needs and abilities change, rather than moving to a residential care community.  Home care, combined with any necessary home modifications or assistive technology, can enable seniors to live out their Golden Years in the comfort of their own homes.  Family caregivers may also seek home care services as a respite to make caregiving more manageable.

 

Who is a Good Fit for Home Care?

Home care often serves as an alternative to assisted living for seniors who wish to live independently.  It can be a good care option for those who meet the following criteria. 

• Seniors who need assistance with ADLs, including meal preparation, bathing, and more

• Seniors in need of housekeeping services such as cleaning and grocery shopping 

• Seniors in the early stages of memory impairment 

• Seniors who struggle with mobility and need assistance safely moving throughout their home

• Seniors who need assistance with daily household tasks

• Seniors who are isolated and desire the companionship of a caregiver 

• Seniors who no longer drive and need transportation to appointments, the grocery store, friends' houses, and more

 

Who is Not a Good Fit for Home Care?

Though a good care solution for many, home care is only suitable for some.  Below are some reasons a senior may not be a good fit for home care.  Note that this list refers to standard home care services, not home health care.  Some seniors included in this list, such as those needing therapy services, would be a good fit for home health care rather than home care. 

• Seniors who need nursing care or other regular medical care

• Seniors who need physical, occupational, or speech therapy services in the home 

 

How Do I Know If My Loved One Needs Home Care?

Many older adults eventually reach a point where they can no longer care for themselves as they used to.  Home care is an appealing option for many seniors and their families because it can be used for just a few hours a day or on an as-needed basis for those who are having some difficulties but do not need constant care.  It can be an in-between for seniors who struggle to care for themselves or their home independently but do not need around-the-clock assistance.  It's also a good option for seniors who may have been resistant to moving out of their homes but need help with some ADLs.  Though each individual is different, below are some signs that it may be time for in-home care.

• Weight loss or decreased muscle mass

• Decreased mobility

• Increased forgetfulness

• Worsening hygiene practices

• Neglecting to maintain home cleanliness or organization

• Inability to drive or any incidents while driving

• Isolation or signs of loneliness

• The occurrence of accidents and injuries such as falls

 

Some seniors may also need home care on a short-term basis, such as when recovering from surgery or a health emergency like a stroke.  In these cases, the senior will be better suited for home health care than standard in-home personal care assistance.