6 Benefits of Home Care and Home Health Care Services

An in-home caregiver can provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, which can improve hygiene and confidence. Having the support of a caregiver to prepare meals is another benefit that can help ensure a senior is eating a regular and balanced diet. The support of a home caregiver may also help a senior feel more secure knowing someone is available to help with household chores such as light housekeeping and laundry.

Home health care provides the benefit of recovering from an injury or illness at home instead of a rehabilitation facility. Receiving skilled nursing care at home offers seniors the comfort of being in a familiar place. Health outcomes may be improved in a familiar, comfortable environment.

Caregivers can also provide transportation and escort services for medical appointments and errands. This important benefit provides seniors with the freedom to engage in social activities and recreational opportunities outside the home. Individuals who receive home care show increased confidence and independence. This confidence then leads to increased socialization and activity levels, which are markers of general health. ^[01]

Is home care the right fit?

The main benefits of home care is a reduction in loneliness. Seniors who use home care or home health care services may benefit from improved overall health and a lower chance of experiencing depression.^[02] In-home caregivers provide much-needed socialization for seniors who may be stuck at home.

Even seniors who are healthy and independent can benefit from companion care. This service specializes in helping seniors remain active and socially engaged. Depending on a senior’s preferences, a caregiver will visit regularly for social interactions like games, preparing meals together, or casual conversations.

Caregivers can also provide transportation for seniors who no longer drive, giving them the opportunity to visit family or friends, go to a festival, or just get out to get some fresh air.

The flexibility of home health care and home care agencies allows a senior to receive as much or as little care as they need. Depending on the agency, care options range from just a few hours per week up to 24/7 care. For example, a senior living with dementia will require increasing care as their symptoms progress, but services can be scaled back for a senior who is recovering from an injury or illness as their condition improves. This flexibility can also benefit the changing schedules of family caregivers.

One-on-one in-home care gives seniors the opportunity to develop a relationship with their caregiver and enables caregivers to detect changes in a senior’s health and behaviors. This can help to prevent health complications or accidents. In-home caregivers initiates earlier care interventions and quicker adjustments to a senior’s care plan when needed.

In-home caregivers may also provide better communication with their loved one’s care team. Caregivers can educate family members on personal or medical care needs and may even be able to connect the family with additional resources.

Home care questions? Get expert help

Caregiving is hard work, even if you’re caring for a family member. Hiring a professional caregiver can allow family to take a break from caregiving or build a care schedule around work and other responsibilities while ensuring their loved one will be looked after.

This peace of mind is an incredibly valuable aspect for family members. Knowing that their loved one’s needs are being met can go a long way, minimizing the effects of caregiver burnout.

The national median cost of in-home care is $33 per hour.^[03] If combined with flexible scheduling ,this can be a less expensive alternative for seniors and their families than other senior care options. For example, hiring an in-home caregiver for seven hours a week will cost approximately $1000 per month. If your senior loved one needs more help throughout the week, they may benefit from more frequent visits. A caregiver who provides support for 30 hours per week costs $4,290 each month — less than the monthly median cost of $5,190 for assisted living.

However, it’s important to understand that the amount of care someone needs and where they live ultimately determines the overall costs of in-home care services, both nonmedical and medical. If your loved one needs around-the-clock supervision or care, home care will quickly become more expensive than an assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facility.

Read more:How to Pay for Home Care: Costs, Care Options, and Financial Resources

Finding the home-based care solution that fits your loved one’s needs can be challenging, but our Senior Living Advisors can help. Your dedicated advisor will talk to you about your loved one’s needs and connect you with home care providers in your area — all at no cost to you.