In-home care for seniors is a non-medical service provided to elderly people in need of assistance to remain in their homes. In-home care provides services that help the elderly with everyday tasks that have become more difficult with age. In-home care is an option presented to seniors as an alternative to an elder-care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living home.
Benefits
Even when disabled, being at home gives an elderly person a sense of dignity and independence that is difficult to achieve in a facility. In-home care offers a senior ultimate comfort. It can also postpone or prevent having to go to an elder care facility altogether. In-home care is personalized for the individual senior, ensuring that their individual needs are met.
Services
Services provided by in-home care agencies are decided upon after an initial consultation with the elderly person and her family. This way, everyone is aware of the current struggles and what needs must be met. Common services include companionship, light housekeeping, hygiene such as bath, grooming and dental hygiene and errands. Many agencies have registered nurses available for medication management or more skilled care. Some agencies offer live-in caregivers upon request.
Costs
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost for an in-home caregiver is $19 per hour and $21 per hour for a home-health aide. These costs can vary on the weekends and holidays, and some agencies raise their rates in the evenings.
Considerations
Respite care is temporary in-home care relief for family caregivers. In other words, a family member who provides in-home care for a loved one can call on an in-home care agency to provide temporary services to give the family caregiver a break. Respite care can be provided for days or weeks, depending on the relief needed by the family caregiver.
Warnings
Physical and emotional abuse of the elderly is an unfortunate reality with in-home care. The article "Elder Abuse and Neglect: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Help" reports that every year tens of thousands of elderly people are abused in their homes by caregivers. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of loved ones being abused. Some warning signs are unexplained bruises or pain, changes in behavior and personality, poor hygiene or unexplained weight loss.
