Five Common Misconceptions About Home Care

Many seniors find going about their everyday lives increasingly difficult as they age. For example, they find it challenging to complete some of their daily activities (bathing or showering, toileting, transferring from a bed to a chair and back, etc.) and prepare meals because of their fear associated with cooking. Fortunately, with proper care and assistance, most seniors can safely continue to enjoy living at home, which is where they prefer to be. Studies by AARP have shown that nearly 80% of seniors do not want to be moved to a senior care facility; they want to age in place at home. As home care continues to gain in popularity, some families feel hesitant about working with an agency and their caregivers. Here are five common misconceptions that will alleviate any concerns you might have.

Home care is more expensive than care in a facility

Many families are pleasantly surprised to learn that home care services cost about $3,000 less per month than care in a nursing home.

Genworth’s annual Cost of Care Study for 2021 found that the median monthly cost for a full-time caregiver was $4,957, compared to $7,908 for a semi-private room in a nursing home.  A private room costs over $9,000 per month.

Home care is even more affordable considering that Genworth’s figures assumed the services of a caregiver were provided 44 hours per week, which is rarely the case. Most seniors require care for considerably fewer hours than that.

Home care is only for seniors who are extremely ill

While home care is highly beneficial for seniors with a chronic or terminal illnesses, the services an agency provides can be valuable for all seniors.

While some aging adults need help with activities of daily living, daily meal preparation, running errands, light housekeeping, etc., many healthy seniors who live alone simply need companionship care to help keep them from feeling isolated and alone.

In-home caregivers can’t be trusted

Whenever you’re letting someone new into your home, it’s wise to proceed cautiously. This is especially true if you’re concerned about your loved one being taken advantage of.

It’s important to know that reputable home care agencies like AmeriCare Plus have all of their caregivers undergo an extensive background check. Criminal history, reference checks, and drug testing are routinely performed before a caregiver is ever placed in a client’s home.

Before caregiving begins, ask the agency about the caregiver’s background, qualifications, and training. Also, make sure the agency’s caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Home care isn’t available for seniors needing 24/7 care

Most agencies can provide caregivers who will be there 24/7 for your loved one. Many agencies also offer live-in care for those seniors needing around-the-clock care. Care services from AmeriCare Plus can be provided full-time or part-time.

Home care isn’t necessary if there’s already a family caregiver

While an increasing number of seniors are receiving partial care from a family member, many family caregivers rely on help from a professional caregiver.

Caregiver burnout is a real problem as many family caregivers become exhausted or ill from caring for a loved one and taking care of all their other responsibilities. For this reason, respite care is a much sought-after service where an agency will provide a caregiver several hours a day or a few days a week to give the family caregiver time to rest and recharge their batteries.

Contact AmeriCare Plus for Senior Care

If you’re considering senior care in Virginia, AmeriCare Plus can help. We provide seniors with the home health care they need to live safely and comfortably at home. Our care is customized to ensure each client’s needs are met, and all of our caregivers have passed a background check and are properly licensed, bonded, and insured.

Contact us today if you’re looking for exceptional senior care services delivered compassionately and respectfully.