Is Home Care Right for My Family?

Home is where the heart is. Homes are filled with mementos, comforts, and perhaps most importantly, memories. As folks transition into their golden years, many want to remain at home, enjoying an independent lifestyle. Whether it’s the house your loved ones raised their family in, or the retirement house where they always dreamed of unwinding, wanting to stay independent is natural. Fortunately, with in-home care, your loved ones can remain in the comfort of their own abode, living life on their own terms.

There are different types of home care. Many seniors start with personal care and companionship, arranging for caregivers to come by to help with cooking and other household tasks. All the while, of course, the caregiver provides friendship and engagement.

Some seniors need more intensive treatment. Fortunately, practitioners can offer long-term, intensive care at home. Sometimes, patients simply need short-term healthcare after an injury, operation, or another challenge. While many elderly individuals rely on these services, younger persons suffering from chronic conditions or recovering from accidents can also benefit greatly from in-home care.

Families might also be concerned about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and, here too, home care can provide a sensitive solution. Remaining at home can reduce confusion, and expert caregivers are skilled in working with individuals suffering from these conditions.

The Advantages of In-Home Care

Everyone has recovered from an illness or injury at some point. If you’re feeling under the weather, the comfort of home may be the very thing you need to help you feel better, more at ease, and well-rested. In fact, experts suggest that people recover at home more quickly than in the hospital. Homes are typically quiet and peaceful, whereas hospitals and other facilities can be loud and hectic.

The same principles for recovering from injuries may also apply to general care and rest. A more rested person could be less prone to illnesses and confusion. A quiet, familiar environment might reduce stress. Reducing stress, by the way, has been found to improve health and immune system functioning.

The health advantages of home care are also observed with more advanced or professional health care. Researchers have found that when hospital-level care is provided in the comfort of a home, it can improve outcomes. With in-home care becoming more common, we’ll continue to learn about the benefits of such care and why it may improve outcomes. In the meantime—since it’s difficult to imagine research showing that comfort is anything other than a net positive for both mental and physical health—encouraging independence through in-home care will likely remain attractive to most families.

Personal preference is also important when deciding between in-home and assisted living arrangements, and clearly, the individual receiving care should provide input whenever possible, but surveys reveal that 4 of 5 seniors would prefer in-home care, versus living in a nursing home or senior community.

As with healthcare decisions, decisions about home care should be made collaboratively; the loved one receiving care, family members, health care practitioners, and other key advisors should all have their voices heard before a decision is made. Health care practitioners, and other relevant parties. For many, home care is a great option that can ensure high-quality care and maximum comfort. While each case offers its own unique challenges, an expertly crafted home care plan can mitigate risk, maximize convenience, and reduce stress.

How We Can Help

At StarPoint, we take the time to personalize home care for each individual. Our director meets with each applicant to learn about their likes and dislikes, what they’re passionate about, their daily schedules, and necessary dietary or health needs. With this information, we are able to partner your loved one with the perfect caregiver. To learn more about whether or not home care is right for you, fill out our checklist and request a free assessment!