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How Does Home Care Work?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Home care works by having a professional caregiver visit an individual's home to help with household and personal tasks, such as preparing meals, bathing and dressing. Your loved one could benefit from home care after a hospital stay or if they need help remaining independent at home.
What Do Home Care Providers Do?
Home care providers start the process by evaluating your loved one's care needs. They work with the individual, their family members and the primary health care team to develop a personalized care plan. After the initial evaluation, they schedule visits in the home and perform the agreed-upon services. The provider adjusts the care plan based on the senior's health status, preferences and goals.
Services available from home care providers include help with:
- Personal care needs, such as grooming
- Mobility
- Transportation and errands
- Household tasks, such as cooking and cleaning
- Social interaction
- Medication reminders
Some people also receive home health care, which includes skilled nursing services, such as wound and diabetes care. In-home care differs from home health care because home care doesn't involve nursing or therapeutic services.
How Do Families Pay for Home Care?
Many families pay out of pocket for private home care or use long-term care insurance to cover the cost. According to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, costs for private home care average $30 per hour across the United States in 2024. Home health care averages $33 per hour.
Some seniors qualify for home care assistance through the Veterans Administration. Others obtain payment help through Medicaid waiver programs, which vary by state.
How Do You Choose a Home Care Provider?
Choose a home care provider by identifying agencies in your area that offer the level of care your family member requires. Select a local home care agency that provides the necessary services for your loved one. Interview the available providers to narrow your search. Some questions to ask include:
- Do you have accreditation from the appropriate industry organizations?
- Has Medicaid approved your agency as a home care provider?
- How do you select and train your staff members?
- Do you perform background checks on your care providers?
- Do you offer on-call assistance around the clock?
- What approach do you take to patient care?
Also request references. Talking with others who have in-home care helps you determine the quality of service and reliability of the caregivers, ensuring you make an informed decision based on firsthand experiences.