Have you noticed your father struggling to get dressed every morning or your mother wincing with each step? You’d do anything for them to make their lives easier. However, moving them to an assisted facility may not be the best choice, especially if they love to grow old in their homes. In this case, at home healthcare can be your best option.
At home healthcare allows older loved ones to receive skilled and unskilled care without leaving their cherished homes. This article explores what at-home is, the types of services available, and how to make it work for your family.
Understanding At-home Healthcare
At home healthcare services allow your loved one to stay where they feel the safest and most comfortable, which for many is their home or an assisted living home. Most seniors prefer to age in place, surrounded by their loved ones and a familiar environment.
Many also want to keep a sense of normalcy and independence, even when struggling with their daily routines. This is where at home healthcare shines.
At home healthcare provides care services to your loved one in the comfort of their abode. A nurse or caregiver comes in every week to check your parent’s vitals and ask questions about their health while sitting on his or her favorite couch.
The benefits of at home healthcare go beyond physical health, too. Studies show that seniors receiving care in their own homes often report a higher quality of life. The familiar sights and smells of home, combined with a personalized care routine, can help alleviate the distress that comes with aging.
Being surrounded by people important to them can promote recovery. At home healthcare is both convenient and helpful. Loved ones who can stay connected with the rest of the family are happier.
Services Offered in At home Healthcare
No two people have the same care needs. At home healthcare offers a blend of skilled care and personal support tailored to meet your loved one’s unique needs.
For instance, if your loved one has diabetes, at-home care will focus on their diet and lifestyle. Caregivers ensure they eat foods that don’t spike their sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight at all costs, and encourage them to get moving.
Here are some common services that might be part of an at-home care plan:
1. Skilled Nursing
Skilled care brings licensed healthcare professionals right in the comfort of your loved one’s home to manage complex medical needs. A nurse works with your family relative to provide wound care, manage their prescriptions, and monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Instead of relying on your senior mom or dad to manage their conditions, you can outsource the job to a skilled nurse. They will keep track of your parent’s diseases, including the progress or decline. Their reassuring presence can help your loved one stay on top of his health without the added stress of a new environment.
2. Home Care
Unlike skilled care services, home care benefits seniors who need help with the upkeep of their home. If your aging loved one who lives independently requires help preparing nutritious meals, one option is to hire a caregiver.
A certified caregiver can do light housekeeping tasks and remind your loved one of their medication times. They can also accompany your parents in their hobbies, like gardening, ensuring they’re safe all the time.
3. Physical Therapy
For seniors recovering from surgery or dealing with mobility issues, physical therapy at home is the best solution. A therapist can design exercises personalized to your loved one’s current ability and strength. They can also teach them how to climb the stairs safely or move from bed to chair with ease.
Physical therapy delivered at home eliminates the need to travel, which may be a challenge for an older family relative using a wheelchair. The home offers a supportive environment where loved ones can focus on recovering at their own pace.
4. Occupational Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on helping seniors maintain or regain independence in daily tasks, from dressing and bathing to meal preparation and mobility. A therapist can assess your loved one’s home and suggest modifications, such as adaptive tools for the kitchen or techniques for safe showering. This kind of support lets your mom or dad stay actively engaged in their routines, building confidence and self-sufficiency in everyday life.
5. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is prescribed for seniors who’ve experienced strokes, have swallowing difficulties, or are dealing with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. A speech therapist can visit your loved one’s home to give lessons on how to boost their communication skills and memory, including safe swallowing techniques. This personalized support helps your loved one regain self-confidence, making social interactions more enjoyable.
6. Private Duty Care
Private duty care includes non-medical support, like bathing assistance, dressing, meal preparation, and companionship. These tasks can become overwhelming for seniors with physical mobilities, often leading to frustration or a sense of helplessness.
Picture a caregiver arriving at your loved one’s home every morning, greeting your senior mom or dad warmly. They can help your parent start their day with a nice breakfast and chat with them as they prepare for the day ahead. This type of care fosters a connection and a sense of security. Moreover, it makes your loved one feel in control of their life as opposed to being a burden to you.
All these at home healthcare services give older people a chance to live their life on their terms, supported by people who respect their space, personality, and preferences.
Choosing the Right At home Healthcare Provider
Selecting the right at home healthcare provider for your loved one can feel daunting, especially when you want a caregiver who treats your aging mom or dad like they’re their own parents. Another thing to consider is finding someone who meets your loved one’s preference, like if they want a mature, female caregiver.
The question is, how do you pick a suitable at home healthcare provider? Someone your loved one feels comfortable with, trusts, and even enjoys having around. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Look For Someone With Experience or Specialized Training
Consider the provider’s experience with senior care and services specific to your loved one’s needs. If your mom has dementia or Alzheimer’s, look for a carer with specialized memory care experience to give support.
Experienced provider understands memory issues and can handle daily challenges with patience. They know how best to keep your mom safe. More importantly, they can respond calmly to situations that could upset your loved one.
2. Consider Flexibility
Health care can increase over time, and sometimes, it happens unpredictably. Maybe your dad needs minor help now, but his condition may worsen the next day, increasing their care demand. So, find a provider who can adjust their services to match your family’s needs over time. Look for someone who can scale their services up or down, so you don’t have to switch providers as your loved one’s needs evolve. Flexibility ensures continuity and avoids unnecessary disruptions.
3. Ask for the Same Caregiver
Consistency is important for seniors who rely on a predictable routine to structure their day. Some may feel anxious around new people. Ask the provider if they can assign the same caregiver to visit your mom or dad regularly. A familiar face can help build trust and create a stronger bond between your loved one and their caregiver.
4. Look for a Transparent Care Provider
A trustworthy provider will keep you informed about your loved one’s care, whether it’s through regular updates, progress reports, or quick responses to your questions. Ask about their communication policies and how they handle concerns or adjustments in the care plan. Open communication between you and the provider allows you to get better involved with your loved one’s well-being and ensure issues related to their health are addressed promptly.
5. Make It Personal
Don’t hesitate to ask providers about their approach to care. Discuss what matters most to your loved one, such as their favorite activities or dietary preferences. Ask if the caregiver can take a walk with your mom around her garden if they love to walk in the morning. Or if they’d be willing to spend a few minutes talking about her favorite memories. These personal touches can make a difference between a generic care service and a truly supportive, enriching experience.
Choosing an at home healthcare provider is about finding a team that will treat your loved one with respect, compassion and patience. Finding the right match will give you peace of mind knowing your loved one receives adequate care in the comfort of their home.
Coverage Options for At home Healthcare
Fortunately, some programs can assist you in paying for at home healthcare services. from insurance to specialized financial resources. Here are some examples.
1. Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare can cover a fraction of at home healthcare services, including skilled nursing and physical therapy if ordered by a physician. If your parent’s doctor believes he will recover well at home, Medicare can help pay for some expenses if your loved one is eligible.
Conversely, Medicaid may offer coverage for additional services like in-home care, depending on your loved one’s income level and the state they live in.
2. Private Insurance
Private insurance may cover at home healthcare support, such as physical therapy and skilled nursing. If your loved one got into an accident and their doctor advises at-home rehab, their insurance may help pay for a physical therapist to regain mobility. Be sure to check your insurance’s fine print, as private insurance policies can have strict limits on what’s covered and for how long.
3. Long-Term Care Insurance and Other Resources
You can withdraw long-term care insurance and use it to pay for at-home health services. It’s one of the best options to ease the financial burden of long-term care during golden years.
4. Veterans’ Benefits
If your loved one served in the military, they can check their eligibility for benefits. The Veterans Affairs offers long-term services including physical therapy, 24/7 nursing and medical care, home care and caregiver support for sick and disabled Veterans. Care settings can include assisted living centers, nursing homes or even the Veteran’s own homes.
Some nonprofits also offer financial support for low-income seniors. Exploring these options can feel overwhelming, so consult a financial planner or senior care advisor to help you navigate available resources and make everything less stressful.
The Role of Family Caregivers in At home Healthcare
Family caregivers are at the heart of at home healthcare, often acting as the bridge between the providers and their senior loved ones. This role is challenging but also fulfilling, especially when you get involved in your loved one’s care. Here are the primary roles of family caregivers.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Minor modifications to your loved one’s home can enhance their safety and comfort, promoting independence. How can you help?
- Add non-slip mats on the floor to prevent slip
- Install grab bars in the bathroom, and
- Arrange furniture in the corner to remove tripping hazards.
These simple adjustments help ensure professional caregivers can focus on essential tasks, knowing the home is as safe as possible.
Coordinate Care with Other Professionals
Family caregivers coordinate with at home healthcare providers to make sure everything is according to their loved one’s needs and preferences.
Does your loved one want their physical therapy sessions in their bedroom or living room? Do they want to change something in their diet plan? Small tweaks in their routines or treatment plans make a huge difference in their recovery. Additionally, maintaining open communication between you and the provider ensures care integrates seamlessly with family support.
Advocate for Your Loved One’s Needs
Similarly, you know your loved one’s preferences and personality best. Advocate for them with their healthcare providers. Talk to your senior parents about what they want to change in their treatment plans or routines.
For instance, inform the agency or care provider if they aren’t comfortable with their caregiver or if they want their morning routine to include their hobby. Not only will this empower you to get involved in your loved one’s care, but also help keep things calm and comfortable for them.
Provide Emotional Support and Companionship
While trained caregivers handle daily tasks, family members turned caregivers become a source of emotional support for their sick loved ones. They can accompany their older loved ones to watch their favorite show or learn how to cook together. These meaningful moments of connection mean a lot to your loved one’s mental and emotional health.
Learn Basic Care Skills
Many at home healthcare providers offer basic training for family caregivers on tasks like medication management. Learning these skills will make caregiving easier for you and boost your confidence in taking care of your parents.
Foster a Team Approach to Care
Family caregiving isn’t a solo endeavor. Work with friends, siblings, or neighbors who can occasionally provide care support, helping you share responsibilities with them. This approach to care reduces stress and increases your loved one’s opportunities to socialize with others.
Collaborative care creates a positive and comforting experience that enriches your loved one’s life.
Manage Caregiver Stress and Burnout
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but also physically and emotionally demanding. One of your roles as a family caregiver is to take care of yourself, especially if you provide care for your loved one. Ignoring your own needs can negatively affect the quality of care you give to your senior parents.
Don’t hesitate to use respite care to prevent burnout. A trained caregiver can step in to do your obligations, so you can take a break from your role. This option is especially useful for adult children who are primary caregivers. Taking time for self-care recharges your energy and expels accumulated stress so you can give your best again to help your loved one.
Ensuring Quality Care in At home Healthcare
The caregiver plays a major role in ensuring your loved one enjoys their golden years and improves their life. An empathetic caregiver can make all the difference in helping them feel valued, safe, and truly at home. Here are factors that define quality caregiving to give you a baseline of what a good provider must deliver.
1. High Quality and Sufficient Care
Providers often conduct regular assessments with their caregivers to ensure they do their job well. You can also play an active role in this process. How? One way is to ask your loved one about their experience with the caregiver.
For example, if your senior dad feels like his caregiver is rushing through tasks, you can bring it up to the agency. Communication helps resolve issues like this.
2. Regular Caregiver Check-ins
Quality caregiving is holistic and considers physical and emotional well-being. Regular check-ins with your caregiver keep you informed of the progress or decline in your loved one’s health. Caregivers must be adept at recognizing subtle changes in the symptoms or emotional state of the person they care for and report their observations to family caregivers. Doing so allows them to address issues that could lead to worsening health.
3. Personalized Care Plan Review
Care needs can increase over time. This change must reflect the latest caregiving treatment plan. Request updates from the provider to double-check if the care plan aligns with your loved one’s needs.
4. Compassionate Care That Goes Beyond the Basics
The best caregivers treat your loved one like an extended family. If your mom needs help with daily hygiene, they’ll approach the task with respect and assist her in a manner that preserves her dignity. A compassionate caregiver treats their job like a noble cause.
Addressing Common Concerns and Questions
At-home healthcare often brings up a lot of questions. Here are some of those concerns, along with answers to help guide you.
Will My Loved One Be Safe at Home?
Safety is a top concern for many adult children. The home can become unsafe for seniors with limited mobility and chronic conditions that affect their physical health. One way to make their home senior-friendly is to renovate or modify some features.
For example, installing a handrail or a wheelchair ramp at the entrance can increase your loved one’s mobility, independence and safety in their own residence.
If you need guidance, consult a senior care advisor to give you an idea of how to upgrade your home and increase its safety for aging relatives.
What if Their Needs Change?
One of the benefits of at-home healthcare is its flexibility. Providers can adjust the level of care delivered based on your loved one’s existing and future care demands.
For example, if your senior mom’s dementia progresses from mild to moderate, the care plan can be updated to reflect this change. In such a case, the provider can arrange longer caregiving hours or overnight supervision.
How Do We Ensure Care Is Effective and Adequate?
If your loved one receives effective and adequate care, it will manifest through positive changes in their health, mood, and overall well-being. Providers often have progress reports, allowing you to see whether the care plan is working and it needs adjustments. Checking in with both your loved one and their caregivers can help confirm if they’re enough support.
Will They Feel Comfortable With a Stranger Coming Into Their Home?
It’s natural to be concerned about your loved one’s comfort with a new caregiver. This is why they have the option to choose a caregiver who they think matches their personality and preferences. They can also request for a replacement if it doesn’t work out after a few interactions.
Is At-home Healthcare Affordable Long-Term?
Rising care costs are a real worry for many families — and it’s not without reason. Recent data shows a 14.2% increase in home healthcare prices between March 2023 and 2024. This change marks the largest spike since record-keeping began in 2005. The data reflects the growing demand for healthcare services, fueled by the graying of America, with roughly 70% of people over 65 needing some form of long-term care.
In 2023, the median rate for home health aides was $33 per hour, though prices vary by location and care level. While Medicare and Medicaid can help cover short-term needs, families often turn to private insurance, Veterans’ benefits, and long-term care insurance to sustain care for extended periods. If you want to know more financing options, consult a financial advisor for advice.
What if We’re Not Happy With the Care Provided?
Many care providers encourage feedback. If something feels off or if your loved one isn’t connecting with the caregiver, you can request a new match. Open communication is key to addressing these types of concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the agency in case you’re unsatisfied with the service.
How Will At-home Healthcare Impact Our Family Dynamics?
Many families find a visiting caregiver invaluable, especially in helping your loved one focus on tasks that give meaning to their lives. Professional support can also reduce stress for family caregivers, making it easier for those who juggle multiple responsibilities.
Increase Your Loved One’s Independence With At home Healthcare
At-home healthcare has numerous benefits, both for seniors and their loved ones. Your older loved one can enlist an experienced caregiver to help them run the household and do minor tasks. For family members, a professional carer can briefly take over their role if they need to step back from their obligations to treat burnout.
Are you looking for a dependable caregiver to support your loved one in their home? Do you need someone to prepare nutritious meals for them or be their companion while you’re at work? Amy’s Eden Senior Care has reliable and approachable caregivers who can visit your loved one’s home and care for them. Give us a call or reach out through email to find a caregiver who treats your loved one like a family.
| Independent living communities | Residential Care Homes | Nursing Homes | Assisted Living | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistance with ADLs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Round-the-clock care | When needed | When needed | Yes | Depending on resident’s needs |
| Memory care | No | Depending on the facility | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled medical and nursing care | When needed | When needed | Yes | When needed |
| Independent living | Yes | No | No | Depending on a resident’s needs |
| Social activities | Yes | Yes | Yes but supervised | Yes |
| Fully equipped apartments/homes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Long term insurance cover | No | If your loved one qualifies | Yes | If your loved one qualifies |
| Rehabilitative services | No | No | Yes | No |
| long term care | Yes | yes | Yes | yes |
| Respite care | Yes | yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shared living space | Depending on a resident’s needs | Yes, or depending on a resident’s needs | Yes | Yes |
| Recreational activities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety | yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Restaurants | Yes | Yes | No | It depends on the home |
