Why Should You Choose Home Care?
Date Updated: August 22, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
You should choose home care when you need some assistance with your health and daily activities, but you don’t need constant monitoring and treatment. In-home care provides a comfortable and familiar environment, fostering a sense of independence and autonomy. It allows you to maintain control over your life while receiving necessary support. Additionally, home care often costs less than institutional care options.
The Home Care Specifics
Home care refers to a wide range of health and social services provided in the home to offer assistance or treat an illness or disability. This includes:
- Skilled nursing
- Help with bathing, dressing and grooming
- Housecleaning
- Mobility assistance
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Companionship
Providers encompass registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, therapeutic professionals, home health aides and personal care assistants. Delivery of the services occurs on an as-needed basis, from just a few hours per week to daily care.
The Benefits of Aging in Place
Individuals often choose to age in place because they only require part-time assistance and want to maintain their familiar surroundings. If you have a solid network of family and friends to support you, care at home often gives you better health outcomes than moving to a facility-based setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living. Home-based care reduces the risk of hospital readmissions, prevents complications related to immobility and isolation and supports ongoing management of chronic conditions. When care comes to you, it delivers a highly personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Home Care Services
Home care enhances your quality of life by allowing you to keep your daily routines while staying connected to your community and social network. This holistic approach to care supports your physical and emotional health as well as your overall mental well-being. Home care providers also offer important respite and support for family caregivers, helping prevent burnout. You avoid the high costs associated with residential care settings while still receiving the support you need to live safely and comfortably.