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Age in Place Home Care: A Guide to Choosing the Right Provider

By CarebuildersPublished On: October 26, 2023Categories: News

Sometimes, there just is not anything like the comfort of home. As many Americans get older, aging gracefully and comfortably in the familiarity of their own home is a priority. This is known as “aging in place.” AARP reports 77% of adults ages 50 and up would prefer to age in place if given the choice. When a senior person wants to remain in their home and maintain their independence, a little bit of help is crucial. This way, an elderly loved one can be surrounded by cherished memories and the comforts of home without causing harm to themselves or others. As you consider age in place home care, you’ll want to be equipped with the right knowledge to make the best home care decisions for you or your loved ones.

Understanding Aging in Place

Aging in place isn’t just about staying home. It’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where seniors can thrive. Dignity, independence, stimulation, and safety are all key aspects of aging in place home care. There are emotional and psychological benefits that come from remaining in a familiar setting. And, with the right support, home can be the best place to age. With the right care, a senior can stay in their home for longer. Age in place home care can come in many different forms:

Personal Care: This can be help with simple tasks like bathing, combing hair, mobility, medication compliance and getting dressed. This service provides help with the Activities of Daily Life (ADLs).

Companion Care: Companion care can be immensely helpful to keep a loved one in their home. Whether it’s help with household chores, meal prepping, or even just talking and connecting, companion care helps isolated seniors. Companion care may be one of the most important aspects of aging in place. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy calls loneliness an epidemic, and research shows loneliness is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death.

Specialized Care: The goal of aging in place home care is to keep seniors in their homes independently for as long as possible. Everyone’s situation is unique and may require specialized care and attention. From memory care to physical needs, a tailored home care program can keep loved ones in their home, especially as their needs shift and change over time.

The Many Benefits of Aging in Place

There are many benefits to aging in place, as recent research shows. With a community of support, the benefits of aging in place can include:

Less loneliness and more social interaction.
A sense of familiarity and comfort daily.
A sense of safety.
A smaller financial burden compared to a live-in option (such as residential living facilities).
Less exposure to communicable diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the loneliness of seniors and the concern for disease spread amongst residents in nursing homes and residential living facilities was at an all-time high. Allowing an older adult to age in place can help mitigate some of these health risks and more.

Preparation is Key

When considering age in place home care, it’s essential to assess the home environment and seek out a professional opinion. Asking your loved one’s doctor what their capabilities are and what help would be best for them is an important first step before considering where they will age gracefully. If in-home care is possible, some modifications may need to be made. Ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms might be top of mind, but community is important too. Speak to your loved one’s healthcare provider about a good aging plan.

Open and honest conversations with your loved one are important to set the correct expectations. Be sure to communicate early and before home care is essential so your loved one can mentally prepare for the new stage in life. While it’s typically an easier transition than a nursing home, your loved one may still need to get used to the idea of allowing some help around the house. An open dialogue ensures medical providers, family, and the senior themselves are all on the same page.

Seeking the Right Provider

Finding the right care for you or your loved one can feel like an overwhelming task. Compassionate and professional care that meets your standards can be hard to find. While many organizations offer age in place home care services, it’s crucial to find one that aligns with your values and expectations. CareBuilders at Home, for instance, is renowned for its commitment to personalized care. Our approach is not just about meeting physical needs; it’s about understanding the person, their history, and their desires. Our compassionate caregivers receive training to ensure they take the best care of anyone under their watch.

When you’re looking for home care services for seniors to age in place or another loved one who needs some help, consider these steps:

Make a list of needs, wants, and expectations for a senior care service.
Understand your budget and financial expectations.
Research companies in your area.
Conduct interviews and meet with home care service providers.

Look at reviews and speak to others who have used the services

Age in Place with CareBuilders at Home

Home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, and everyone deserves to age with dignity and grace in the place they love most. Navigating the age in place home care journey can seem overwhelming at first. We understand. It requires care, understanding, and a touch of patience, and we’re here to help you with every step of the way. From the first consideration of in-home care to the changing and evolving needs of your loved one, we provide compassion and dignity to our clients.

We provide:

All of our services allow your loved one to receive well-rounded, holistic care that is specifically tailored to their needs. No two people are alike, and their care should not be either. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide to keep your loved one’s independence with our age in place home services.