Roger Morph 
Years ago, when relatives aged and needed care, it was far more common for them to be placed in assisted living facilities. Today, times have changed significantly with a greater demand for home care services.
What has caused this shift to turn the tables? Several key factors at play have increased the demand for in-home care.
Changes in Demographics
There have been several key changes in demographics that are giving rise to the demand for home care services among the aging population. Since there are more adults in this age bracket now, there is understandably a correlation along with a rise in age-related health issues that may require varying levels of in-home assistance.
Along with that, major advancements in healthcare and medicine mean that people are living longer. However, the other side of that coin is that while living longer, they are more likely to have chronic health conditions that require medication management or assistance with daily tasks. With in-home care services, it bridges the gap created, allowing older adults to manage their conditions while retaining their independence and comfort.
Another demographic shift in household size has also changed the way older adults are receiving care. With higher divorce rates and lower birth rates, families are smaller and have fewer resources for providing care to their aging family members. Additionally, they are more spread out, no longer residing in the same local area as one another. Personal care in Scottsdale, Arizona, has allowed for these services to assist and provide added support in these types of scenarios.
Changes in Preferences
Preferences have shifted as well, and now older adults are more focused on retaining their autonomy, which is more readily achieved through in-home care. Home care services allow the elderly to maintain more of a sense of normalcy, along with their independence and a connection to their community.
In-home plans are more personalized and flexible, too, allowing them to have their daily needs met while being able to enjoy their golden years. They can keep up with their routines, engage in social activities, and not have to uproot their lives from the home they’ve lived in for years to get the care they need.
Changes in Technology
With technological advancements, it’s easier than ever for older adults to get in-home care. Telemedicine allows them to consult with their doctors without having to spend all day going to and from appointments. Remote monitoring tools help track vital signs and provide alerts, while electronic records allow for ease of sharing vital information with caregivers, making it an even more efficient option for caring for an aging family member.
Changes in the Economy
Long-term care costs on-site in assisted living facilities are astronomically high, and many families simply don’t have the means to afford them. Some are limited by insurance coverage as well, despite their best efforts to plan.
Although in-home services aren’t free, they are typically more affordable because they can be tailored to the needs of each individual. In a facility, families are paying for all of the amenities regardless of whether or not they utilize them. In-home services allow for paying for only what is needed. You can choose part-time or full-time care as well as pick and choose the daily services your loved one needs, ensuring they are cared for accordingly without spending a fortune.
Benefits of Choosing Home Care Services for an Aging Loved One
In the coming decades, it is expected that the demand for in-home care services will continue to increase. This is likely due to the factors mentioned above, along with the significant benefits. Older adults experience an improved quality of life by retaining their independence in a familiar environment.
With an in-home caregiver, they can get the help they need with daily tasks while having a companion to keep them from feeling lonely and isolated, which benefits their mental well-being. They also have less chance of becoming ill with any contagious diseases when they are at home rather than in a facility, and tend to recover better if they are receiving in-home care after surgery or treatment.
Since aging adults have the chance to stay in their own homes for this care, it also allows for family involvement. This provides them with emotional support and keeps family relationships strong. As mentioned, it’s also a more cost-effective option than traditional care homes, and one that is far more comfortable and private too.
If you have aging family members who need extra care after surgery or with daily tasks, looking into in-home services may provide the answer.
