What to Look for When Selecting Home Help

How is home care different from home health?

Home health is clinical, skilled care (nurses, therapists, etc.) working with those in recovery. While home care is tailored, non-medical, and personal care for seniors, adults with disabilities, new moms, and individuals recovering from illness or surgery. While home health is medical care, home care is caregivers/companions who help with daily activities and provide companionship and monitoring services. Home care and home health both focus on helping clients remain independent in their own homes through personalized care plans and services and may be used together or separately.

Is home care only for those who are immobile or bed-bound?

Not at all. Home care is designed for individuals who are not bed-bound but need help with daily routines.  You do not need to be disabled or in a crisis to require these services. Home health aides provide crucial support for individuals with dementia, recovering from surgery, or needing companionship, starting from just a few hours a week up to 24/7.

Can I afford home care?

Home care is usually less expensive than long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Moreover, studies show that patients recover faster and with fewer readmissions in the comfort of their own home. And if the time comes when you do need to transition into long-term care facilities or nursing homes, your home care team can help you in the transition process. Many clients pay for home care through a combination of Medicaid (for low-income/assets), long-term care insurance, veterans benefits (VA), and private “out-of-pocket” payments such as savings, annuities, or home equity.

What other services might a home care company provide for my loved one?

Care isn’t only about medical needs. Home care professionals provide comprehensive support, including meal preparation, cleaning, grooming, medication reminders, healthy-living support, and transportation to appointments, significantly boosting mental health and reducing isolation. Many agencies also offer 24/7 monitoring, free in-home safety checks, routine wellness check-ins for medication, and hydration reminders.

Why is home care preferable to long-term care facilities or nursing homes?

Studies show that most seniors do better—emotionally and psychologically—aging in place in their own surroundings. Staying home provides familiarity, preserves independence, and can reduce stress, often leading to better mental health and, as a result, better physical health outcomes.

What should I look for in a home care agency?

Not all home care agencies are equal. It’s vital to select a licensed, bonded, and insured provider that conducts thorough background checks on all employees, ensures rigorous staff training, and offers care plans that fit your family’s specific, changing needs. You want an agency that feels like an extension of your family when you can’t be there, providing peace of mind, reducing stress, and helping seniors stay in their own homes longer. Look for an agency that offers free in-home consultation and safety assessments to help identify specific needs and create a safe environment for your loved one.

Home Helpers Home Care

Founded in 1997, Home Helpers Home Care has provided trusted, screened, and trained caregivers along with unique, comprehensive services such as the Cared-4 program offering clients peace of mind for almost 30 years.