The term, home care service, is commonly used to refer to non-medical or custodian care given at the home of the patient. Providers are usually persons who are not licensed medical personnel (not doctors or nurses) and hired directly or through an agency. Family and friends can also be caregivers, especially for seniors living with them.

In fact, seniors are usually the beneficiaries of home care. Of these, more women than men need in home senior care. People with disabilities or special needs, as well as those recovering from major surgeries, comprise another group who would typically avail of this service.

Seniors are probably the most in need of care, but many of them prefer to stay in their own homes where they are most comfortable, rather than go to a nursing home. They want to remain near loved ones and live the life they are used to. In home senior care makes this possible for them and offers a variety of options that caters to the type and frequency of assistance that they need.

Home care can include professional health care services or life assistance services or a combination of both. The first one refers to services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological assessment, medication teaching, pain management, wound care and disease education and management. But more often, home care involves assistance with activities of daily living.

For instance, seniors may encounter difficulties in bathing, dressing, walking, eating and using the toilet – things that reflect on their capacity to care for themselves. There may be some daily tasks that they cannot do on their own – light housework, preparing meals, shopping, using the telephone, taking medication, managing money, etc. In terms of money management, caregivers can only educate and advise, and should never be allowed to make any decisions and sign any check or financial/legal document.

There are a variety of options for home care services available. Although it is basically available 24/7, caregivers on a shift, part-time, hourly, live-in or as-needed basis can be arranged. Having one dedicated caregiver or a team is also another option.

Except for live-in care, home care is less expensive than most board and care homes, skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities. However, there are a number of factors to be considered with regard to cost when deciding on home care. These include location and skill level of service that will be needed. Homemakers, personal care assistants and companions will all cost less than home health aides or skilled nursing care, and caregivers hired though an agency cost more than direct hires.

Home care services can have hourly, daily or weekly rates, and the cost can be paid by the patient and his or her family as an out of pocket expense or via public and private sources. Federal or private insurance, for example, can be used to cover professional health care services, which are usually ordered by a doctor. Financial assistance can also be obtained from community organizations such as the local cancer society or Alzheimer’s association.

Jen has done specific studies on this subject in an attempt to help anyone in their search for understanding. When suffering from diabetes, Alzheimer’s or any kind of illness it helps to find outside assistance. Home care services can help you with your daily living. You can find reputable in home senior care in your local phone book, or on the internet.