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A Myth About Home Health Care (June 2008)
By Home Helpers, Jennifer Anastasiades

Myth – Professional caregiving services are an alternative to other care options (e.g. care provided by family/friends, or care environments such as a hospital, assisted living or nursing home.)

Reality – Home care provided by professional caregivers often supplements other care arrangements and helps to ensure people receive the care they need and deserve. Instead of viewing home care as a replacement for other care arrangements, home care is about meeting people’s needs and wants regardless of where or when services are provided or who else is involved in the care process.

“Home Helpers provides individualized care services based on clients’ preferences and according to their schedules. Our focus is on making life easier by enhancing quality of life, dignity and safety,” said Jennifer Anastasiades, owner of Home Helpers. Many people choose home care for the individualized attention not found in many group living environments or when family members are unavailable due to other circumstances.”

While many people may view home care services as a menu of options (e.g., we do A, B, C, D), we encourage people to think about home care as a way to maintain independence and remain in the comfort and safety of their home. When family or friends are not available due to commitments to their immediate family (e.g. spouse/children), work and community, professional caregiving services enable people to enhance their dignity, safety and wellness.

As a result of aging, illness or injury, many people face functional limitations. The Administration on Aging reports that over 40% of non-institutionalized older adults reported difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). This means that many people need help with everyday living in order to remain independent. Other people choose home care to avoid loneliness or isolation. People who live in a retirement community, nursing home or are in the hospital often benefit from companionship, encouragement and peace of mind. 

Anastasiades added, “Rather than compromise their independence or lifestyle, our clients tell us they want to maintain their day-to-day routine and responsibilities. They want help keeping up with the house and preparing meals. They want someone who can help them get to and from appointments. They don’t want life challenges to limit their ability to live.” 

Did you know:

• Approx. 13 million Americans require assistance from others to carry out activities of daily living.
• About 1/3 of the people receiving home health care are <60 years of age. The need for care is often due to chronic health conditions, rehabilitation, or disability.
• Limited (not 24/7) but regular care at home costs less than 50% of care provided in a ‘facility.’

Sources: The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics and the Family Caregiver Alliance Source

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