Basics of Senior Care at Home

The expert in-home care industry has never played a bigger part in American community than it does today. As the nation’s ageing middle-agers arrive at retirement age, family members around the country are faced with making critical choices on how to provide proper care to their ageing family members. In addition, with elderly people living well beyond their retirement age, the concern regarding senior care expands to the boomer’s parents as well.

senior_care_at_homeAmong the growing population of senior-aged People in America, the desire to age at home and stay separate is growing. In 1996, the U.S. in-home senior care market was $86 billion; by 2030 it is approximated to reach $490 billion dollars. Despite this growth, many people in America stay unclear about the choices available through expert in-home care services. Unlike other business models serving in-home care clients, expert in-home medical service suppliers put an emphasis on offering trained, fully screened, insured and bonded care providers. Companies operating in this segment of the senior care industry range from organizations with a nationwide presence to locally-owned agencies. Professional in-home medical service providers can offer care providers for as little as a few hours a week, when a family caregiver simply needs respite, to 24 hours a day. Also known as “private duty home care agencies”, most expert in-home care businesses provide a variety of services that are broken down into distinct categories: companion care and personal care.

Companion and personal care services can be administered in a variety of configurations including a client’s house, medical center, medical care service, hospice center, assisted living centers and pension centers. In every case, the use of a care provider can be a welcome respite for close relatives who act as the primary care provider and face emotional and physical stress. For elders in assisted living centers who need extra attention, sitter service from an in-home care agency can fill the need for companion care of up to six hours a day or longer. At pension communities, assisted living facilities, or in house configurations with spouses under the same roof, shared senior care service is a money saving option for several residents. A single care provider can provide the appropriate care needed for several individuals.