Home Care

Many senior adults prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home as their health needs change and senior home care can provide that. Senior homecare offers services to help with the daily needs of preparing meals, bathing and dressing and managing medications. Homecare for the elderly provides companionship, while reinforcing a safe and caring environment.

Though generally non-medical, there can be skilled nursing available with elderly homecare when needed. This is usually referred to as in-home nursing or home healthcare. Home care, on the other hand, is about taking care of the daily needs of an older adult and is sometimes referred to as adult home daycare. Though not skilled medical personnel, home care professionals are trained and licensed.

It is important to consider if the needs of an older adult can be adequately met by homecare services. Factors such as the safety of the home , the hours of services used and the overall health of the individual should be considered. Long term homecare would be appropriate for a senior adult with limited mobility or other used in tandem with home healthcare for patients with more critical medical conditions. Even though homecare aides do not give medical attention, their services can be used for short term care following surgery or an injury.

Homecare services can include light housekeeping, some laundry and some cooking. Generally they do not run errands or do heavy cleaning. The emphasis of homecare is providing reliable and consistent companionship and care. Because the services provided are not medical in nature, they generally are not paid for by insurance unless homecare was prescribed by a physician.

However, homecare can be more cost effective than a nursing home stay. Finding services with comprehensive listings and information are available online. It is important to interview homecare aides and take the time to find a good match, perhaps consider having a trial period.