Home Care Options
What is Home-based Care?
Home-based care allows older adults to receive personalized support while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. This type of care is highly flexible and can be adapted to various levels of need, from occasional assistance to comprehensive care plans.
Home Care
Home care services are typically provided by home health aides or personal support workers. These professionals assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and toileting. They may also help with light housekeeping, errands, and offer companionship, which is especially important for seniors who may be socially isolated. Home care can be scheduled for a few hours a day or on a live-in basis, depending on the individual's needs. Agencies often tailor care plans to accommodate medical conditions like arthritis, mobility issues, or cognitive decline.
Palliative Care at Home
Palliative care at home is provided to individuals facing serious, chronic, or terminal illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, improving quality of life, and addressing emotional, social, and spiritual concerns. A team approach is often used, involving doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained caregivers. Services may include medication management, emotional support for the patient and family, counseling, and coordination with other health services. Care can be delivered intermittently or intensively, depending on the stage of illness.
Visiting Nurses or Therapists
Post-hospitalization recovery and chronic disease management are often supported by professionals such as visiting nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. These licensed practitioners provide clinical care, including wound care, medication administration, mobility training, and rehabilitation exercises. This form of care helps reduce hospital readmissions and supports independence by allowing seniors to regain functionality in a familiar environment.