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Why Is Home Care Preferred Over Nursing Homes?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
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
What Common Challenges Do Seniors Who Age at Home Face?
Common challenges that seniors who age at home face include safety hazards, loneliness and lack of transportation. To prevent the risk of falls, the home should have stair-free entryways and an accessible bathroom on the first floor.
Seniors need a strong support network to successfully age at home, and they should also have the ability to get around their neighborhood independently. The Area Agency on Aging and other organizations address common challenges by connecting older adults with resources such as transportation, social opportunities and housekeeping help.
What Services Does Home Care Provide?
Home care provides services such as assistance from a home health aide, help with money management, meal delivery or cooking assistance, help with household chores and personal care assistance. Other services include help making health care appointments and transportation to doctor visits as needed.
Seniors receive this type of help from family caregivers or hire a home health care agency. Providers from home health care agencies include professional therapists, licensed practical nurses and trained health aides.
Would Home Care Benefit Your Loved One?
Home care would benefit your loved one if they require help with activities of daily living, such as preparing meals, managing medications, bathing and dressing. Home health providers also care for people who need help managing a newly diagnosed medical condition, require skilled nursing services such as wound care or struggle to get around independently. If your family member has a terminal diagnosis, hospice providers also offer home care.