6 Benefits of Home Care and Home Health Care Services

An in-home caregiver can provide assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing, which can provide the benefits of improved 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 caregiver may also help a senior feel more secure knowing someone is available to help with household chores like light housekeeping and laundry.

Home health care provides a senior the benefit of recovering from an injury or illness at home instead of a rehabilitation facility. Receiving skilled nursing care at home may offer a senior comfort and the benefit of being in a familiar place.

Caregivers can also provide transportation and escort services to medical appointments and for errands. This important benefit provides seniors the freedom to engage in social activities and recreational opportunities outside the home. Individuals who receive home care show increased confidence and independence, which leads to improved social connections and management of household responsibilities.^[01]

Home-based care services allow a senior to rehabilitate in comfort and continue living independently, on their terms, in the comfort of their own home.

Is home care the right fit?

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 socialization that may reduce or even prevent feelings of loneliness through companionship.

Seniors who are healthy and independent may not need support with activities of daily living but they may benefit from companionship care. This service specializes in helping seniors remain active and engaged. Depending on a senior’s preferences, a caregiver will visit regularly for social interactions which may include 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 and engage in social activities in the community.

The flexibility of home health care and home care agencies allow a senior to receive as much or as little care as is needed. With care options ranging from just a few hours per week up to 24/7 care, home care can be tailored to a senior’s needs. For example, a senior living with dementia will require increasing care as their symptoms progress. 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 who may require more or less support caring for a loved one.

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 can initiate earlier care interventions and quicker adjustments to a senior’s care plan when needed.

Personalized care can also benefit family members by providing 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

In-home care can offer several benefits for family caregivers. 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 a 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 $30 per hour.^[03] 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 $910 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 20 hours per week costs $2,600 each month — less than the monthly median cost of $4,995 for assisted living.

However, it’s important to understand that the amount of care a senior needs and where they live ultimately determines the overall costs of in-home care services, both nonmedical and medical.

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 your family.