A Portrait of Private Home Care In The US

Did you know that at least 70% of older adults in the US prefer private home care services?

Private home care support for seniors has been growing increasingly popular as a care type over the last decade, and rightly so! When you can age graciously and be compassionately cared for in the comforts of your home, you can reclaim a sense of independence.

Let us embark on a journey to see what private care at home looks like and what makes it so demanding as a care type for seniors across America.

How private home care differs from nursing care?

Home care has always been a pillar of personalized support for older adults. It combines some of the best features of senior care, like assisted living and memory care. Private in-home care services offer a more transformative approach to caring for older adults in their own homes.
Now while that may feel similar to nursing care, here are the critical difference:

1. Atmosphere: Private home care allows seniors to receive assistance and medical care (medication management, for example) in their home’s familiar and relaxed environment. A nursing home, on the other hand, provides a standard living setting with round-the-clock care and supervision.

2. Independence: Home care can be seen as private nursing care at home. It combines the best of independent living and nursing home services in the comforts of your abode. This means you maintain control over your activities of daily living while being cared for by trained professionals. There is no strict structure or schedule to follow as in nursing homes.

3. Adaptive care: Depending on the level of care, home care can be adaptive to each older adult’s specific needs and preferences. Caregivers can provide one-on-one attention, focusing on the unique requirements of the senior. While nursing homes provide care to a larger group of residents, which may often limit the level of individualized attention.

4. Familiarity and comfort: No place is like home, especially if you have lived in one for over 30 years. Private home care allows seniors to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by their cherished belongings and memories. Nursing homes may require seniors to adapt to a new living space and adjust to a communal setting.

5. Cost: Private home care can be a more cost-effective option than nursing homes, as the care is provided hourly. Nursing home care involves higher prices due to the 24/7 care, accommodation, and additional services offered. If you look at Genworth’s cost of senior care as per state/city, nursing homes, on average, are around $9,000 or higher.

Did you know?

Many individuals receiving home care services in the United States are aged 65 and above. Statistics show that around 97% of them need assistance with bathing, while 91% require help transferring in and out of bed.

They can be either in the form of primary home care or even private home health care. Why not read the following articles to learn more about the different types of home care services?

• What is primary home care?
• What is home health care?

What are private home care agencies like?

Well, over 426,000 private home care providers are listed in the US (2023). Depending on the level of care being provided, it is safe to say the general services you are looking at when it comes to home care. Such as:

• Nursing visits: Skilled nursing care provided at home.
• Medication management: Assistance with medication management.
• Therapy services: Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy at home.
• Home health aide services: Personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
• Homemaker/companion services: Companionship, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, outings.
• Nutritional guidance: Expert advice and guidance on dietary needs, including meal plans.
• Medical social services: Support for emotional and social needs.
• Medical equipment and supplies: Provision of necessary medical equipment and supplies.

Some of the listed services are common for other care types. But for a deeper dive into what you bring home, here is what you need to know!

1. Screening and training

Home care agencies meticulously screen and select their caregivers, ensuring they possess the right qualifications, experience, and, most importantly, compassion. Thorough background checks, reference verification, and interviews help build a group of talented and qualified individuals.

2. Caregiver-client matching

Home care providers aim to create a prosperous match between caregivers and clients. They consider personal preferences, care needs (including the level of care), and compatibility to nurture a trusting and fulfilling relationship. This modified approach promotes a sense of companionship, trust, and mutual understanding.

3. Administrative support

From scheduling and billing to ongoing supervision, home care agencies handle the administrative aspects, giving families time to focus on their loved one’s well-being. This support helps provide a seamless experience, ensuring that families receive reliable assistance and coordination of care services.