How to care for older adults at home

As we get older, our needs change. It’s not uncommon to need some support in our golden years, such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or tasks around the home. Many older adults today prefer aging in place in their own homes, with some help from in-home care. This aging-in-place checklist will help you understand how to help care for your senior loved ones at home to ensure you're providing the best care possible at a budget that works for your family.

Types of care

There are several types of in-home care that can support the needs of older adults. The most common types include:

• Homemaker care: In-home caretaking assists with ADLs like shopping, bathing, and grooming.

• Home health aide: Home health aides provide basic medical services, like assistance with medication and help with getting out of bed, dressing, and bathing.

• Nursing care: Skilled nursing care is the most common type of in-home health care and includes more robust medical services like administering medication, monitoring general health, pain control, and other health support.

Each of these types of care may be supplemented by doctor visits, physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, and more services.

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Professional resources

There are many professional resources available for the care of older adults. In addition to in-home nursing care, some additional options include:

• Adult day care: These facilities allow older adults to get the day-time services they need in a social environment before spending the evening at their own homes.

• Companion care: Companion care is similar to homemaker care in that it provides a companion to support basic ADLs and simply be a friend to spend time with.

• Geriatric care managers: Sometimes called an aging life care expert, geriatric care managers are typically licensed nurses or social workers who specialize in health care for older adults who work with families to identify needs, make a care plan, and find services in the area.

Financial aid and benefits

Home health care is often not included in standard health insurance policies. However, there are other financial aid services available, including:

• Medicare: Medicare covers part-time or intermittent home health care, including skilled nursing, rehab services, or a home health care aide.

• Medicaid: Depending on the state, Medicaid may cover the costs of skilled nursing or assisted living for those who meet income requirements.

• Home health care or long-term care insurance: Many insurance companies offer care coverage for older adults, but you must get it before you require care.

Community resources

In addition to professional facilities and financial support, there are likely community resources you can use to support your loved one's in-home care without breaking the bank. Organizations like Meals on Wheels and local nonprofits can provide meals on a budget so you don't have to cook, while senior centers may host public events and programs to provide access to food and other services. Many communities also offer free transportation for older adults to help them get to doctor's appointments and take care of shopping themselves.

Tips for taking care of older adults

If you plan to help your senior loved one stay in their home, this aging-in-place checklist will help you provide the best experience possible.

Assess their needs and capabilities

It's important to get a complete picture of a senior loved one's physical, emotional, and social needs before creating a care plan. Each requires a detailed assessment to figure out what they are able to do and what they need to be happy. Some things you should check include:

• Physical aspects: Mobility, hygiene, nutrition, sleep patterns, sensory ability, physical pain

• Emotional aspects: Mood, coping mechanisms, self-esteem, cognitive function

• Social aspects: Social isolation, community involvement, access to transportation, financial situation

Some of these things you can assess by simply having a conversation, but to really understand their feelings about what's going on in their life, don't be afraid to ask some uncomfortable questions. This whole process is about figuring out what you can do to make improvements.

Consider home safety and accessibility

Your family member may love their home, but few houses are built to be friendly to older adults. It's very likely you may have to make some key modifications to the home to ensure it's safe for your loved one to be there on their own.

Do a thorough assessment of each room in the home, removing tripping hazards, improving lighting, and rearranging furniture to allow easier passage through the house. In areas where your loved one may sit or stand, like in bathrooms or bedrooms, it's a good idea to install grab bars. If there's a staircase, consider installing a lift to help them get upstairs without excessive strain.

Finally, it's a good idea to include a medical alert system so that your loved one can alert emergency responders quickly if they experience a health event while you're not present.

Help them maintain a healthy lifestyle

Planning and cooking healthier meals or opting for a healthy meal delivery service will help your older loved one maintain a balanced diet. Encourage them to go on walks or do simple calisthenics with you, and do puzzles or engage in hobbies to keep them mentally stimulated.

Encourage social interaction

Isolation can be one of the most challenging parts of growing older, especially when aging in place. Encourage social interaction by bringing family over to hang out, signing up your loved one for community events, or even investing in companion care services. Nobody wants to feel lonely, and it's important not to overlook this vital aspect of caretaking.

Create a backup care plan

Sometimes, it’s not always possible to be with your older loved one. (That's one reason why many people find support with in-home health aides or caretakers.) When you can't be around, it's a good idea to have a backup care plan.

Sit down with family members and discuss emergency planning. Who is responsible for what in the event of an emergency when you're unavailable? It's a good idea to schedule family and friends to visit when you'll be unavailable for an extended period of time. Always make sure that important phone numbers like emergency services and doctors are readily accessible in a public place like on the fridge.

It's also a good idea to have a respite care service on standby. This short-term service provides temporary care, allowing caregivers to step away to rest or spend time with family or by running errands or checking things off the to-do list so the primary caregiver doesn't have to. It can be an extremely valuable supplementary care tool.

Tips for taking care of yourself as a caregiver

When you give so much to others, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself. But you can't care for anyone else if you're in bad shape emotionally or physically. Remember to give yourself the support you need.

It’s important to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Seek support from family to help with day-to-day tasks and responsibilities or from a therapist to talk openly about your feelings and emotions in a safe setting. 

Again, respite care can be an invaluable resource, and it's important to lean on it when you're feeling overwhelmed. Even if it's just calling in help to go grocery shopping so you can get an hour to yourself, it can make a big difference in your well-being.

Recommended resources for caregivers

To find the best local home care agencies near you, use your preferred search engine. Remember to read reviews and testimonials and check out any state-provided resources on government websites. Other helpful resources for caregivers include:

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• Meals on Wheels

• Eldercare Locator

• National Institute on Aging

Being the primary caretaker for a senior loved one can be a very rewarding experience. However, it can also be an incredibly challenging one. Creating a home care plan proactively can help your senior loved ones age in place in comfort. 

Remember that there are many resources available to caretakers. Don't be afraid to lean on professional and community resources for additional support, and prioritize your emotional and physical well-being.