As our loved ones age, making sure they receive the best care possible becomes a top priority. For many families, in-home care offers the best solution by providing personalized and professional assistance in the comfort of one’s home. At LifeWorx, our services include 24-hour care, companion care, in-home health aides, and private duty nursing.

What is in-home care?

In-home care includes a range of services delivered in the comfort of a person’s home to improve their overall health, happiness, and quality of life. Unlike the care provided in institutional settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities, in-home care allows individuals to stay in a familiar environment while getting the support they need. This type of care addresses the unique needs of each person, whether they require help with daily activities, medical care, or simply need companionship.

In-home care is typically divided into two main categories: medical care and non-medical care.

Medical care is provided by licensed professionals such as RNs, LPNs, or therapists and focuses on health services such as medication administration, wound care, and monitoring vital signs. This care usually requires a doctor’s referral.

Non-medical care is offered by trained caregivers or aides who assist with activities of daily living and provide emotional support. This care doesn’t require a referral and is often arranged by families.

Types of in-home care services

24-hour care

This service provides continuous care throughout the day and night. Caregivers work in shifts to ensure that someone is always available to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and getting around. Individuals who require constant supervision due to chronic conditions, dementia, or frailty often benefit the most from 24-hour care.

Companion care

Companion care focuses on providing emotional support and company, along with help with light household tasks, errands, and transportation. Seniors who are isolated, lonely, or in need of social interaction, as well as those who require assistance with non-medical tasks may benefit from companion care.

In-home health aides

Individuals who need help with daily personal care but do not require advanced medical care may benefit from this support. Health aides help with personal care tasks, including hygiene, grooming, and basic health monitoring. They are trained to provide non-medical support, such as helping with meals, mobility, and simple exercises.

Private duty nursing

Individuals with chronic medical conditions, post-surgical patients, or those requiring specialized care at home may need private duty nursing services. Services may include wound care, medication management, and more complex medical procedures provided by licensed nurses in the home.

The value of in-home care

In-home care offers a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for many families seeking senior care. Let’s compare the value of in-home care to other common senior care options:

Personalized care

• In-home care: Offers one-on-one attention with services tailored to the individual’s needs. Care plans can be adjusted to accommodate changing health conditions or preferences.
• Assisted living: Provides some level of personal care, but residents usually share caregivers with other residents. Care in assisted living facilities is typically more generalized.
• Nursing homes: Offers comprehensive medical care in a facility, but care is often shared among many residents, limiting the amount of individualized attention people will receive.

Comfort and familiarity

• In-home care: Allows seniors to stay in their home, surrounded by familiar environments, memories, and personal belongings. This can have major benefits for emotional well-being, particularly for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Assisted living: Residents live in a more communal setting, often in a private or semi-private apartment, but still in an unfamiliar environment. While facilities may work to create a home-like atmosphere, the change in surroundings can be disruptive.
• Nursing home: Residents typically live in shared rooms in a hospital-like setting. The transition from home to a facility can be emotionally challenging for many seniors.  

Family involvement

• In-home care: Families can remain involved in the care of their loved ones. They have the flexibility to participate in decision-making and daily routines, creating stronger relationships and better communication with caregivers.
• Assisted living: While family involvement may be encouraged, daily participation may be limited due to the structured nature of the facility’s care schedule.
• Nursing home: While family members can visit, direct involvement in day-to-day care is generally more limited due to the clinical setting and protocols.

Cost

• In-home care: Costs can vary depending on the level of care required. In many cases, in-home care is more affordable than assisted living or nursing homes, especially when only part-time care is needed.
• Assisted living: This care is usually more affordable than nursing homes but can still be expensive, especially when additional services are needed. Costs often include room, board, and personal care, but medical services may be extra.
• Nursing home: Nursing homes are generally the most expensive option due to the intensive medical care provided.

Flexibility

• In-home care: Offers the highest level of flexibility, allowing care schedules to be adjusted as the needs of the individual change. Care can be scaled up or down depending on the individual’s condition.
• Assisted living: Offers some flexibility, but residents are usually required to adjust to the facilities routines. Changes in care needs may require moving to a different level of care within the facility or to a different type altogether.
• Nursing home: Nursing homes offer the least flexibility, as care is very structured and designed to meet a range of medical needs in a clinical setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my loved one needs care?

Look for signs such as difficulty with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.), memory issues, social isolation, or medical conditions that require regular monitoring.

How are caregivers selected and trained?

Every LifeWorx caregiver is meticulously evaluated through in-person interviews, character assessments, and references families they have worked with long term. Our candidate relations managers are constantly working to bring in highly qualified, flexible, and compassionate career caregivers who are ready at a moment’s notice to jump in and provide exceptional care.

What can caregivers help with?

Caregivers can help in many ways including, but not limited to assisting with personal care, medication reminders, housekeeping, meal preparation, and running errands.

Can in-home care be short-term?

Yes, in-home care can be arranged for short-term needs, such as postoperative care. It is also beneficial for long-term care, particularly for those with ongoing health needs requiring constant support.

How can I convince my loved one to accept care?

Focus on how in-home care will improve their quality of life, independence, and safety. Having this conversation is never easy, but we’re happy to help guide you through it. You can also learn about other strategies in our article.

What if my loved one needs 24/7 care?

LifeWorx can provide 24-hour care by scheduling caregivers in shifts, ensuring that someone is always available to assist your loved one.

Is in-home care covered by insurance?

In-home care may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary. Long-term care (LTC) insurance can help cover non-medical care, but coverage varies depending on the policy and care required. Speak with our LTC expert about your policy today. If you are unfamiliar with long-term care insurance, read our series here.

In-home care is a valuable resource that allows seniors to receive personalized care in their own homes. Whether it’s continuous care, companionship, help with daily activities, or specialized nursing services, in-home care provides an adaptable, affordable, and empathetic solution. Contact us today to explore the best options for your family.