What Is In-Home Care? Your Questions Answered

Written on 07/29/2024

With more than 16,000 residents aged 65 or older here in New Braunfels, many families are facing decisions about senior care. From assisted living facilities to nursing homes, many of the traditional long-term care options can feel impersonal and intimidating for older adults and families alike. That’s why so many Texans are turning to in-home care as a way to preserve their independence, stay in the communities they love, and receive compassionate care. But what is in-home care, exactly?

To help you fully understand your options, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about in-home care services.

In-Home Care FAQs: Making the Best Decision for Your Family

What is In-Home Care?

In-home care involves providing assistance to older adults in the comfort of their own homes. Unlike skilled nursing care or home healthcare, in-home care focuses on daily living activities, personal care, and companionship. Services can range from help with personal hygiene to meal preparation and light housekeeping.

In-home care offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Quality of Life: Enjoying familiar surroundings and maintaining independence.
• Enhanced Safety: Reducing the risk of falls and accidents.
• Companionship: Combating loneliness and isolation.
• Respite for Caregivers: Providing caregivers with a much-needed break.

What Services Does My Loved One Need?

The services you need depend on your loved one’s specific situation. For example, if they live alone, they may benefit greatly from companion care, while others may want to focus more on help with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, and meal preparation. 

Here are some common in-home care services provided by ComForCare’s professional caregivers:

• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Companion Care: Providing social interaction, conversation, and emotional support.
• Meal Preparation: Cooking nutritious meals and ensuring your loved one eats regularly.
• Light Housekeeping: Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a tidy home environment.
• Medication Reminders: Ensuring medications are taken as prescribed.
• Transportation: Helping with errands, shopping, and medical appointments.
• Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care: Specialized home care for seniors with cognitive impairments.

What Level of Care Do I Need?

It’s a common misconception that in-home care is one-size-fits-all. Levels of care vary based on the individual’s physical and mental health and can be personalized to meet diverse needs. 

Some factors to consider when determining the appropriate level of care include:

• Mobility: Does your loved one have difficulty moving around the house or require a walker or wheelchair?
• Cognitive Health: Are there signs of memory loss, confusion, or cognitive decline?
• Daily Living Activities: Can your loved one perform basic activities like bathing, dressing, and eating independently?
• Social Interaction: Is your loved one feeling isolated and in need of companionship?
• Medical Health: Does your loved one require specialized medical services like wound care or physical therapy? If so, they may need a home health aide instead of a personal caregiver. However, in-home care can help seniors manage and monitor medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other chronic diseases.

At ComForCare, we assess each client’s unique needs to create a personalized care plan that ensures their safety, comfort, and well-being.

How Much Caregiving Time Does My Loved One Need?

It’s common to assume that your loved one needs 24/7 care when in reality they only need a few hours throughout the week. Home care isn’t all or nothing: at ComForCare, we can develop personalized schedules and routines. Whether we’re providing a few hours of respite for a family caregiver or around-the-clock care, we’ll find a cadence that meets your family’s needs and budget.

 Here are some common care schedules to consider:

• Hourly Care: Ideal for those who need assistance with morning routines, meal preparation, or evening care.
• Daily Care: For individuals who need more consistent support throughout the day but can manage some activities on their own.
• Overnight Care: Provides peace of mind knowing someone is available to assist during the night, particularly if your loved one is prone to nighttime wandering or needs frequent help.
• 24/7 Care: For those who require constant supervision and assistance due to significant physical or cognitive impairments.

How to Get In-Home Care for Elderly Loved Ones

Getting in-home care for your elderly loved one involves several steps. It’s typically best to start by evaluating the person’s needs and determining what type of assistance they require. From there, you can research providers by checking reviews, asking for recommendations, and verifying their credentials.

At ComForCare New Braunfels, we’re always ready to provide assistance at every step of the journey. If you’re not sure where to start or how to proceed, simply give our team a call! We’re here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Why Choose ComForCare?

Choosing the right in-home care provider is crucial for your peace of mind and your loved one’s well-being. ComForCare stands out because our caregivers are thoroughly vetted, trained, and passionate about providing high-quality care. Not only that—we match caregivers to clients based on their preferences, personalities, and specialties so they can establish meaningful, trusted relationships.

We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client and offer a variety of care options to fit different needs and budgets. Our #1 priority is to treat every client with respect, dignity, and kindness.

Final Thoughts

In-home care can significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals, allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the support they need. If you’re wondering how to get in-home care for an elderly loved one in your life, ComForCare in New Braunfels is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist your family in making the best care decisions.

Explore Compassionate In-Home Care in New Braunfels, TX

At ComForCare New Braunfels, we understand that you want the best for your family members. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out online or give us a call at (830) 632-5887. Let us be your partner in providing compassionate care for your loved ones!