A Guide to Providing In-Home Care for a Senior Loved One

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Industry studies report that upwards of 90% of seniors have expressed their desire to age in place, in the comfort of their own homes. While historically, seniors often moved to assisted living homes and nursing facilities when extra assistance was needed with daily activities and personal care, today’s generation of seniors are able to live out their golden years at home thanks to reliable and professional support systems such as in-home care. 

What Is Home Care?

Home care is nonmedical care for seniors and older adults. Care provided in the comfort of the senior’s home and can include help with a variety of daily tasks ranging from help with grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning to mobility, medication reminders, and transportation. Reliable transportation to medical appointments, errands, or personal events is also available. 

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Reston families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Who Provides In-Home Care Services?

There are generally two types of individuals who provide home care: private-hire caregivers and agency-hire caregivers. Although both types of caregivers may be qualified to provide care, families often prefer the additional peace of mind that comes with agency-hired caregivers. These caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured so the family isn’t responsible for things like workers’ compensation and caregiver taxes, and their care is often overseen by a Care Manager, meaning families don’t have to train or manage their caregivers. 

When Does a Caregiver Provide Care?

When you work with a reputable care agency, caregivers are available 24/7 to provide care on an hourly or live-in basis. With hourly care, a caregiver can come a few hours a day or a few days a week, providing minimal assistance with activities of daily living to promote independence and quality of life. Live-in care is typically for seniors who have complex care needs as the result of an illness or advanced condition, as well as those who simply prefer the safety and security of having a trained and professional caregiver regularly by their side. 

Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What if My Loved One Is Living with Dementia? 

Home care is appropriate for seniors of all abilities, including those living with dementia or another cognitive condition so long as the caregiver is experienced and trained in dementia care. Such services make living at home with dementia possible and ensure the highest level quality of care.

How Much Does Home Care Cost?

Home care prices vary depending on who provides the care services, but the cost of care is generally less expensive than care provided at assisted living or nursing homes. This is because these types of senior living centers often charge a base (yearly or monthly) fee as well as additional fees depending on the types of services provided. With home care, seniors and their families are only responsible for paying for the hours when a caregiver is present, and there are no upfront fees. Long-term home care is often a more personalized and cost-effective care option. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide senior home care, Reston Assisting Hands Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. Give us a call today to find out how we can boost your loved one’s quality of life.