How Do You Plan for 24-Hour Home Care?

You plan for 24-hour home care by assessing a senior's needs, budgeting for care and hiring reliable caregivers for consistent support. According to a 2021 study conducted by the AARP, more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older want to age in place in their current homes rather than transition to a long-term care facility. With proper planning, seniors can maintain their quality of life and independence while aging in place safely.

Understanding the differences between home care options proves key to securing the right support for your loved one. In-home care encompasses companionship and assistance with personal care tasks and household chores, while home health care includes the addition of medical services, such as medication management and skilled nursing.

Either option may warrant around-the-clock support. With 24-hour home care, caregivers maintain an around-the-clock presence, alternating shifts every 8 to 12 hours. These services, often recommended by a healthcare professional, may involve medical assistance. Around-the-clock home care proves most beneficial for 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

Every senior has a unique experience when it comes to aging. A professional assessment by a health care provider or a geriatric care manager can offer valuable insights about a senior's condition and the support they require. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging provides resources to help understand and evaluate care needs.

Once you've determined the need for 24-hour home care, finding trustworthy caregivers follows as the next step. Consider hiring through a reputable home care agency, which staffs trained and vetted caregiving professionals. This option is often easier, as agencies handle duties such as payroll, taxes and insurance. Consider hiring independent caregivers recommended by friends, family members or health care providers. This may result in lower costs, but it requires you to manage background checks and scheduling. Whichever option you choose, conduct interviews and check references to ensure a good fit. Communicate clearly about expectations, duties and care plans.

Families may turn to various community resources and support groups for additional aid. Consider reaching out to your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) for care consultations, information and referrals to local services. You can also use the Eldercare Locator to find resources near you.

Caregiver budgeting becomes another important consideration for 24-hour home care. Create a detailed budget that sets a realistic expectation of care costs. Based on Genworth's 2024 Cost of Care Survey, in-home care in the U.S. costs $30 per hour, while home health care comes at an hourly rate of $33. After budgeting, explore options for financial assistance, such as long-term care insurance, veterans benefits and Medicaid HCBS waivers.