In-Home Care - Finding Care | The Sandwich Club

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In-Home Care

Many older adults would prefer to age at home as long as possible. With the right care support and services, you can preserve your loved one's privacy and independence at home while keeping them safe.

What is in-home care?

The meaning of in-home care varies widely—from help with daily routines, to giving the primary caregiver a much-needed break, to providing medical or end-of-life care. Figuring out the in-home care you need varies widely depending on your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer!

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When is in-home care a good option?

How do you know if this is the right path for your loved one? Here are some considerations to help you determine if in-home care is a fit for your situation.

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Hiring caregivers

Not sure how to find an in-home caregiver? Whether you hire an independent caregiver or work with an agency, you can find a great match for your family's needs.

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Paying for in-home care

It can be daunting to figure out how much in-home care costs and how to pay for it. Here are resources to help you get started.

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Home modifications

There are a range of things you can do to make sure your home is safe for your loved one - some are small but impactful, others are a larger investment providing long-term peace of mind.

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Finding in-home care and additional resources

Here are some trusted sources to help you navigate finding in-home care services and determine financial eligibility for different benefit programs.

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Continue exploring

Not sure which would be the best fit? Compare all 3 options in our Comparison chart

In-Home Care

Adult Day Centers

Residential Care

What it is

Care provided by a trained caregivers or home health aides for an individual or couple in their home. In-home care supports older adults with daily activities and provides family caregivers a needed break (respite care).

Supervised out-of-home care for older adults in external settings. Older adults come during the day to socialize, enjoy activities, exercise, and dine with friends. Some centers may offer additional services like laundry. Participants live at home, but this can allow family caregivers to work during the day or take some regular time off.

Also called facility care, this broad category of care includes senior living communities, assisted living, and nursing homes. Residents live on-site and enjoy a range of services and benefits, which usually include housekeeping, activity/exercise classes, and/or meals.

Socialization

Privacy

Schedule & Care Hours

Care can be provided part-time, full-time, overnight, and on weekends. In-home care usually requires a 4 hour minimum shift.

Programs are usually available on weekdays as a half-day or full-day. Nights and weekends are not typically options.

Facilities providing care support may offer more flexible part-time hours since they can serve multiple residents in a shift; up to 24/7 care available in some facilities.

Care type & levels available

Customized services based on need, from companionship and chores to help with bathing and mobility, up to 24/7 medical care. However, intensive or round-the-clock medical care at home can become prohibitively expensive for many families, especially if it's long-term.

Supervised setting for older adults who need light to moderate care support, such as transfer assistance, basic personal care, and medication management. There are also adult day health programs that offer higher levels of medical care, but these are less common.

Range of care levels offered depending on facility type: from light housekeeping all the way to 24/7 medical care. Continuous care facilities allow residents to transition between care levels without leaving the community.

Cost

$$ - $$$

$ - $$

$$$

This can be a more affordable option when care needs are light to moderate. Full-time care at home becomes expensive.

Lower hourly rate of care than an in-home caregiver, which makes it a good option for care during weekday hours.

While this type of care is expensive, once overnight or 24/7 care is needed, it is often more affordable than in-home care.

Learn more about in-home care

Learn more about adult day centers

Learn more about residential care