Senior home care can make aging in place more manageable and safe for older adults of all ability levels.

Aging in place has become a priority for many older adults. According to a 2018 AARP survey, 3 out of 4 Americans over the age of 50 hope to remain in their current home as long as possible. Some may want to age in place due to an emotional connection to their home or community, while others do so out of a desire to keep their independence. In other cases, it may be a financial necessity to age in place rather than move to a residential senior community.

But, there can be some disadvantages to aging in their homes, especially for seniors living with chronic health conditions, acute injuries or illness, reduced mobility, and other ailments. For people in these situations, it can be hard to decide whether to age in homes and risk their health or safety, or give up their independence to live in a community where assistance will be available. 

Senior home care can be essential for seniors who find themselves in this challenging situation. Obtaining the services of a senior home care aide or home health care aide can enable seniors to retain their independence and age in place while still having access to the assistance and care that they need. Senior home care can make aging in place more manageable and safe for older adults of all ability levels.

There are many senior home care providers for seniors and their families to choose from, as well as different types of senior home care. In this guide, we explain what services are available with a senior home care aide, the different types of senior home care, the cost of senior home care, and financial assistance options

What is Senior Home Care?

Senior home care is non-medical caregiving and assistance provided in the client’s home. Care may include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, transferring, and meal preparation; transportation; companionship; and more. It does not include medical care or therapies. Depending on the client’s needs, they may receive assistance from a senior home care aide anywhere from one hour a week to 24-hours a day.

Many seniors and their families choose senior home care as a way for the senior to remain in their own home as their needs and abilities change, rather than moving to a residential care community. Senior home care, combined with any necessary home modifications or assistive technology, can enable seniors to live out their Golden Years in the comfort of their own homes. Family caregivers may also seek senior home care services as a respite to make caregiving more manageable.