What is Home Care?
More than 7.6 million Americans receive home care, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number is much greater
when you consider
that it does not include informal care which is care given by a friend or family member.
Home care is generally defined as non-medical support services delivered at the home of the senior. The aim of home
care is to allow seniors to remain at home longer rather than enter an
assisted living
community, nursing home or other type of
senior care. Home care may be appropriate if a senior prefers to stay at home but needs minor assistance with
activities of daily living.
Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, and meal preparation but may also extend to assistance with
transportation, paying bills, making appointments, and simply being there to provide companionship and emotional
support. Home care services are generally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be paid for directly
by the client or through a variety of public and private funding sources such as
Medicare and/or Medicaid.
If you are a family member providing home care, check out our
tax tips for seniors and caregivers.
If you are entrusting your loved ones to the care of competent professionals, we provide
tips to choosing a caregiver and interview questions.
To find out if home care is the best option for your loved one, complete the form below.