Written by Olivia Cohen
According to a study from the AARP, 82% of seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they age, with the remaining 9% wishing to relocate to assisted living, and 4% preferring to move in with a relative. Although wanting to age in place is the clear preference among seniors, 2 in 10 people over the age of 70 recognize that they need assistance with tasks of daily living. The benefits of in-home care are that it bridges the gap between seniors’ preference for the comforts of home, with their need for a helping hand or basic medical care.
1. One-on-one care
Quality, one-on-one care from certified home care providers is the backbone of aging in place. Home health care providers know from experience that no two seniors are alike, and they can tailor their caregiving to suit the needs of every individual. Whether it’s something as easy as knowing how to prepare a favorite dish at the end of a long day or as nuanced as patiently comforting sundowning seniors with dementia, one-on-one care always puts seniors’ needs and comforts first.
2. Fewer visits to the doctor
According to a study conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, seniors who receive in-home care required 25% percent fewer in-office doctor visits over the course of a year as compared to seniors who do not receive in-home care. This finding holds true for patients with conditions that are “worse than [those of] others of the same age,” including those with arthritis and heart disease. For patients with dementia, the results are particularly pronounced: Dementia patients with in-home care visited the doctor an average of 10.2 times per year, compared to 19.2 annual visits for those without.
A second study shows that home health care professionals “may be effective in preventing unplanned hospital admissions with targeted interventions,” making these results extend past doctors visits to more serious health situations as well. These results suggest a higher quality of life and fewer medical bills for seniors who choose to age in place.
3. Faster recovery
A 2005 and 2006 study by the same lead author found that adults with acute conditions who were treated with hospital-at-home care had a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and ended up with a lighter medical bill. Hospital-at-home care was also associated with greater satisfaction for both patients and their family members.
4. Peace of mind
For family members struggling to decide the best course of action for their senior loved one, in-home care provides peace of mind. Knowing that your parents or loved one is being cared for in a safe, comfortable environment alleviates the stress of searching for alternatives. In-home care also makes it easy for family members to communicate directly with caregivers and see their family members more often, without the restriction of visitor hours, making it easier to maintain connections with loved ones as they age.
If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks or needs basic medical assistance, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.
