How Can In-Home Care Help Elder Family Members?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

In-home care can help elderly family members by providing nonmedical daily living support to enhance independence and quality of life. As your loved one ages, they may experience difficulty maintaining personal hygiene or performing household tasks, including cleaning or preparing meals. Having access to an in-home caregiver helps them receive needed support while remaining safely at home.

How Can You Tell If an Elderly Family Member Needs In-Home Care?

Your loved one may need in-home care if they’re having trouble moving around, maintaining personal care routines or performing household tasks. Look for changes in your family member’s physical appearance, such as significant weight loss or bruises and scratches from frequent falls or accidents. Additionally, monitor whether they’re regularly changing their clothes and maintaining basic grooming, including bathing and brushing their teeth.

Some seniors also experience loneliness or social isolation as they age, resulting in mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. These conditions can affect your loved one’s ability to care for themselves or engage in enjoyable activities, indicating a need for daily living support and companionship.

What Services Does In-Home Care Provide Elderly Family Members?

Home care agencies offer nonmedical personal and companion care services to older adults who don’t require 24/7 support but need assistance to live independently. Services vary depending on your loved one’s personalized care plan but often include:

Assistance with daily living activities, including dressing, bathing and grooming
Grocery shopping and meal preparation
Light housekeeping and laundry
Medical and nonmedical transportation
Basic home maintenance
Companionship and social engagement
Medication reminders

Many people choose to hire a professional in-home caregiver to provide services, while others become family caregivers. Which option you choose depends on the extent of your family member’s care needs and what your personal schedule looks like. However, if your loved one requires skilled nursing services or 24-hour support, alternative care options, such as skilled nursing facilities or assisted living, may better serve their needs.