What the Latest Research Says About the Benefits of Home Care
Last year, the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) released the report “Caring for America’s Seniors: The Value of Home Care” and the data it provides make a clear case for the rising benefits of home care.
Though many people may be hesitant about hiring a professional caregiver due to cost or the desire to remain independent, the following statistics will really make you rethink the option to have some form of outside help, and how accessible it is. Here are the highlights from the report.
Nine out of 10 Americans 65 and older want to stay at home as long as possible
It’s clear that the aging American population overwhelming wants to remain in their home as long as they are physically able. This makes in home care so important because it allows individuals to maintain a feeling of independence and to live in the comfort of their home, with some outside assistance.
40% of adults age 65+ require daily assistance, and 70% will at some point
Although aging Americans want to remain in their home, the majority will require assistance to do so; they cannot do it alone. Again, this speaks to the benefit of having a professional caregiver who can provide this assistance without requiring someone to move to an assisted living facility.
On average, adults 60 and older live 280 miles away from their nearest adult child
In some instances, a family member can care for an aging loved one. However, as children move further and further away from their parents, on average, this makes that less feasible. Instead, a professional caregiver can be found in virtually any location and can commute daily to assist someone with their day-to-day tasks and to provide companionship.
$25 billion a year in hospital costs is saved thanks to home care
Yes, hiring a professional caregiver comes at a cost, but there are also cost-savings associated with in home care. A combined $25 billion a year in hospital costs is saved thanks to home care. This means having a caregiver onsite increases safety, ensures medication is taken on time and helps to maintain hygiene, among many other things.
25% fewer doctor visits occur when home care is in place
With the assistance of a caregiver, doctor visits substantially decrease. The less an aging adult needs to visit the doctor, the less they need to worry about how they will get there and if they will be exposed to additional illnesses while there. All around, the more we can prevent necessary trips to the doctor’s office the better! A caregiver is proven to help with exactly this, adding just one more benefit to using in home care.
Be sure to take a look at this full report. It offers a lot of valuable information to consider when it comes to hiring a professional caregiver!
Do you agree with these benefits of home care? Are there other benefits that were not mentioned in the report? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.