Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support

Staying in your own home as you get older is called aging in place. But not everyone can do this on their own. As the population ages, more services have become available to help older adults live independently at home.

Benefits of independent living as you get older

According to a 2021 survey by AARP, more than 75% of adults over age 50 say they would prefer to live in their own home as they age. There are a number of benefits in doing so:

• Living in your own home preserves your sense of independence and helps you maintain control over your life.
• Independent senior living, without help from adult children or other family members, can support your confidence, which in turn may improve your quality of life.
• Remaining in your home allows you to maintain connections with your friends, community, doctors, and place of religious worship.
• Aging in place — even with outside help — may be less expensive than moving to an assisted living facility, nursing home, or other senior living housing option.

When it might be time to seek outside help

Sometimes it's obvious that you need home care assistance. Maybe your health takes a sudden turn for the worse, or you've fallen and can't get around as easily.

At other times, the need evolves gradually. You may find it harder to cook, clean, or drive. Personal care, such as bathing and getting dressed, may become more of a challenge.

A good time to plan for in-home care is before it's actually needed. Questions to ask yourself when thinking about hiring in-home help should center around your physical and mental abilities and what has become difficult for you to do.

Starting early also can help you plan for any modifications you may need in your home, such as stair lifts, grab bars in your bathroom, or widening doorways to accommodate a walker or wheelchair.

Services provided by in-home caregivers

In-home caregivers provide a wide range of services, including:

• Household chores such as housecleaning, doing laundry, changing bed linens, and similar tasks
• Personal care to help with everyday activities such as bathing, getting dressed, using the toilet, eating, and getting into and out of bed or a chair
• Meal preparation and grocery shopping
• Health care services including physical therapy, giving medications, caring for wounds, and assistance with medical equipment
• Transportation to the doctor's office, stores, hairdresser, and others.

Professionals who provide these services include companions, aides, personal care assistants, nursing assistants, and registered nurses.

Some seniors need more than one type of assistance. For example, one individual may help with housecleaning and laundry while another assists you with bathing and dressing.

You also may want to consider meal and grocery delivery services, transportation services, and property maintenance services.

Choosing the right caregivers

Talk with your doctor, family, and friends about what support you need in order to stay in your home. Many older adults have several medical conditions. Choosing the right caregiver means choosing one who has the skills and expertise to manage your specific needs. Be realistic and flexible, since your needs may change over time.

Keep in mind that just because someone is highly skilled, it doesn't mean they are the best fit for you. It's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with on a personal level. Check references before hiring an individual or company.

Home health services usually charge by the hour, and Medicare coverage for these expenses is limited. Most people pay out of pocket for in-home care assistance.

Medicare offers an online search tool you can use to find and compare Medicare-certified home health agencies.