Growing older can be a privilege, but choosing how you enjoy your golden years can also be a daunting prospect for individuals who want to maintain their daily routine and independence as they age. According to an AARP study, 77% of elderly adults want to age in their own homes, yet just as many will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Enter home care.
Home care services may include assistance with tasks like running errands, grocery shopping, grooming and dressing. Home care may also include companion care. While the appeal of extra help around the home is undeniable, home care provides many practical benefits as well. Read more below about the top five reasons why home care should be part of every elderly adult’s plan to maintain health and independence as they age.
Long-term care is an incremental cost that can catch many elderly adults and their families off-guard as they age. While home care services are funded by seniors and their families, either out of pocket or from a long-term care insurance policy, home care can actually be more affordable than full-time care for elderly adults. According to a breakdown of nationwide home care costs published by the American Council on Aging last year, the annual cost of a private room at a nursing home – a cost Medicare won’t cover – in the U.S. is more than $108,000. In contrast, home care services are often billed at an hourly rate, typically average about half of that for longer hours of care and even less for most seniors who only need a few hours of extra support at a time.
Research shows that when people are able to recover at home after a hospitalization, they recover faster. For this reason, home care services can be especially helpful for elderly adults transitioning home after a hospital stay, as caregivers can help with daily activities like picking up prescriptions and preparing meals that allow seniors to get the rest and recovery they need. However, did you know that regular home care services may help keep you out of the hospital to begin with? According to the World Health Organization, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death worldwide, and elderly adults are especially susceptible. At-home care services are rendered by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides (HHAs) who are experienced in helping seniors move safely in and around the home. Many Caregivers can also aid seniors with managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease, allowing them to manage their care plan at home.
The average family caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one at home, oftentimes on top of their other responsibilities associated with raising children and working a full-time job, which research shows can have an adverse impact on the family’s emotional, physical and financial well-being. In-home care services for seniors are an ideal solution for those who may want help with daily living activities at home, but don’t want to rely on family members to maintain their independence. Caregivers can help with transportation to medical appointments, mobility around the home, and medication reminders, giving family members peace of mind that their loved one is being taken care of when they’re not there.
A strong social life has been linked to many benefits for elderly adults, including a longer life expectancy, fewer health conditions and improved well-being. As we age, it can become harder to maintain the same levels of social connectedness throughout our golden years. Home care professionals offer companionship by providing friendship and warm conversation during at-home They can also make sure elderly adults can continue to enjoy their favorite activities and friendships outside the home by taking the stress out of travel and transportation to events and gatherings in the community.
As we age, it’s normal for activities to take a us a bit longer than they used to, but home care services can help ensure the tasks of daily living don’t keep elderly adults from enjoying the activities that matter most. Whether it’s putting away groceries, hanging clothes in the closet, or trying to stay up to date on the latest technology, in-home care professionals can help elderly adults complete tasks around the house more efficiently, so seniors can spend more time focusing on their favorite pastimes.
