Can You Get 24-Hour Care at Home?

You can get 24-hour care at home. In-home care remains a popular choice among seniors and their families as it allows individuals to age in a familiar setting. With the help of 24-hour home care, seniors can maintain their lifestyle and independence while receiving the personalized support they need.

Many seniors prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes. Based on an AARP study conducted in 2021, more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older plan to age in their current homes or communities rather than in an assisted living facility. Home care agencies make this possible, offering a range of at-home services, including assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, companionship and even skilled nursing care. 

Around-the-clock home care often benefits seniors recovering from recent injury or illness and those with:

• Chronic health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease
• Alzheimer's and other types of dementia
• Physical disabilities

Families can choose from several home care options. While live-in home care and 24-hour home care offer comprehensive support, they have differences.

Live-in home care: A caregiver resides in the senior's home, providing continuous nonmedical assistance and companionship. 

24-hour home care: Multiple caregivers work rotating shifts to ensure round-the-clock support. This care may include medical services, such as skilled nursing care, as recommended by a healthcare professional.

With 24-hour home care, caregivers maintain a constant presence, a key benefit. It consists of at least one rotation of caregivers within a 24-hour period, with aides typically working 8 to 12-hour shifts, allowing them to remain refreshed and alert. However, alternating caregivers may prove difficult for seniors with conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia who benefit from consistency and familiarity. Additionally, the need for multiple full-time caregivers typically results in higher overall costs than live-in care.

To arrange 24-care at home, you typically work with a home care agency that provides a team of professionally trained caregivers for around-the-clock assistance. Speak with your loved one's physician for direction to a reputable agency, or ask friends and family for recommendations. Your local Area Agency on Aging also serves as a helpful tool for locating home care in your area.

Even with 24-hour home care, families must periodically reassess care plans to accommodate seniors' changing needs. Should your loved one's needs progress and require extensive medical services, consider exploring more comprehensive care options, such as memory care or a nursing home.