Why Might Someone Need 24-Hour Home Care?

Received by: Catherine Braxton

Someone might need 24-hour home care if they have declining health or dementia or are recovering from an injury or surgery. More than 76% of adults age 50+ wish to remain in their own homes throughout their lives. However, with 20.7% of seniors aged 85+ needing assistance with the activities of daily living, many will require some form of care, either from a family member or an in-home care provider.

In the initial stages, older adults or persons living with a chronic illness may only need home care for a few hours each day. But, when they can no longer safely live alone, they may benefit from 24/7 in-home care.

Studies suggest that 72% of adults would prefer to recuperate at home rather than in a medical facility following an illness or surgery. If left to recover alone, individuals may engage in more physical activity than they should, potentially resulting in re-injury or physical setbacks. Employing temporary 24-hour home care during recuperation prevents seniors from overdoing things and reduces the risk of injury, helping speed recovery. It also prevents social isolation, a leading contributor to deteriorating health.

Individuals with a disability or chronic illness may benefit from ongoing care. Caregivers help disabled seniors maintain a higher level of independence by assisting with mobility, activities of daily living and household chores. Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, should consider the medical assistance of home health care to help manage the condition.

Many seniors with memory impairment continue living alone during the early stages of the disease. However, their ability to care for themselves can decline as their condition worsens. They may forget to eat or struggle to maintain personal hygiene. The risk of wandering and falls increases, and seniors commonly experience isolation and loneliness. Round-the-clock care enables individuals to remain safely in the familiar environment of their own homes. Caregivers provide companionship and ensure seniors exercise, eat nutritious meals and perform hygiene tasks.

Even when living with a spouse, compensation strategies make any deterioration in a partner’s condition go unnoticed. Having 24/7 care brings a second set of eyes into the household to spot signs of further cognitive decline.

Caregivers also benefit from 24-hour in-home care. In the United States, 1 in 5 Americans is a caregiver for a family member and 38% of those care for someone living alone. Many find caring for a loved one rewarding and very stressful, and it can lead to depression, anxiety and health conditions. Employing a home care agency to take over the caregiving role, even temporarily, helps ease the burden and prevent burnout.