Top 4 Reasons why Home Care is Beneficial for the Elderly

Finding the right aged care options is critical in deciding how you may want end-of-life care and experience to go for your elderly.

For some elderly needing more medical attention, residential care may be the better option. But for those who want to stay independent and live in their own home for as long as possible, in-home care is best suited.

Related article: Comparison between Home Care and Residential Care (Pros and Cons) 

Home care provides support for older people allowing them to safely live in the comfort of their own homes. Offered support includes personal care, transport, food, shopping, housework, physio, social activities, and home modifications. 

The Healthcare Channel has listed the Top 4 reasons, among many, why home care may be beneficial for the elderly. 

1. Independence
2. Personalised and individualised care
3. Financial independence
4. Comfort and familiarity with the place 

Independence

Home care is a personal and convenient type of care that allows older people to maintain an independent lifestyle – the freedom to continue with their day-to-day activities, hobbies and social life right around the clock. 

They get to continue to live on their own schedule and keep in control of how they want to get things done like eating and sleeping with assistance on areas they may need help with. Modifications at home like walking sticks or frames, grab rails, ramps and others make it easier to move around. 

In addition, My Aged Care said that home care is a flexible service that can be tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. You can choose the type of care and support you receive, how often it is provided and who provides it. 

Hence, home care workers will only visit as often as required and help as much as needed. 

Personalised and individualised care

The Aged Care Guide Australia said one of the key benefits of receiving in-home care is a personalised and individualised approach to care. 

This means that an older person can receive a care plan that has been specifically designed to meet their unique needs and preferences. 

Home care is also known for its flexibility, as it can be adjusted to suit the specific requirements of each client. Whether it’s just a few hours of support per day or full-time live-in care, home care providers can accommodate different levels of assistance as required. 

In-home care also offers unparalleled one-on-one attention, forming a close and trusting relationship with the home care worker. 

Financial independence

Receiving the right type of care in their own home could help one save a lot of money. Care homes and senior living communities can be very expensive, and this can become a burden to both the patient and the family. 

The Department of Health mentioned that home care services can be a cost-effective alternative to other forms of aged care, particularly for older people who need only a limited amount of support. 

In most cases, home care services are provided on a fee-for-service basis, which means that you only pay for the services you receive. 

Comfort and familiarity with the place

It can be difficult to adjust to a new environment and moving to a new home might be stressful for the elderly. Home care enables them to continue living in a home that they love, surrounded by the things they cherish. 

Staying in your own home can help you maintain your independence, control over your life and personal dignity, as the Department of Health said. It can also help you to feel more connected with your community and support networks and can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

From promoting independence to receiving personalised care, and from having control over the type of care needed and costs to staying in a familiar and comfortable environment, these are just some of the benefits that your elderly can experience with in-home care. 

Among the many options available and considerations to take into account, in-home care may be a worthwhile choice for the end-of-life experience you want for your elderly. 

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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