24 Hour Home Care: Inclusions, Benefits, Cost & More!

In a world where the population is aging and the demand for comprehensive healthcare is growing, 24 hour home care is becoming an essential option for many families. Offering round-the-clock support, personalized attention, and professional care, this service aims to enhance the quality of life for those in need, right in the comfort of their homes.

But what exactly does 24 hour home care include? How does it operate, and what are the costs involved? Join us as we delve into the intricacies of 24 hour home care, unraveling its definition, inclusions, cost, and more. Whether you’re considering this service for a loved one or merely seeking information, this comprehensive guide will shed light on everything you need to know.

Defining 24 Hour Home Care

24 Hour Home Care is a specific type of service tailored to meet the needs of individuals, particularly seniors and those with disabilities, who require assistance with their daily activities around the clock. These services ensure that the individuals are taken care of at all times, providing a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment at home.

Inclusions of 24 Hour Home Care

A fundamental aspect of 24 hour home care is that it includes various services. The objective is to offer comprehensive care and support to improve the quality of life of the individual in the comfort of their home. Here’s a list that typically outlines the inclusions of 24 hour home care in the USA:

• Personal Care: Assistance with daily living activities like bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Medication Management: Timely administration and management of prescribed medications.
• Meal Preparation: Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including catering to specific dietary needs.
• Companionship and Emotional Support: Providing company, engaging in conversations, recreational activities, and emotional support.
• Skilled Nursing Care: If needed, access to professional nursing services for medical management and support.
• Household Maintenance: Light housekeeping tasks including laundry, dishwashing, and general tidying.
• Transportation Assistance: Help with transportation to medical appointments, shopping, or social activities.
• Therapy and Rehabilitation Services: Coordination with physical, occupational, or speech therapists as required.
• Health Monitoring: Regular monitoring of vital signs, blood sugar levels, or other health-related metrics.
• Emergency Response: Access to immediate professional help in case of an emergency, often through a 24/7 emergency call system.
• Specialized Care: Tailored care plans for patients with specific conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or chronic illnesses.
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers, ensuring continuous support even if family members need a break.
• Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Seamless collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and specialists, to ensure a comprehensive care plan.

24 hour home care offers a holistic approach, focusing not only on medical needs but also on the overall well-being and quality of life of the individual. It can be customized according to the specific needs and preferences of the client, providing a comfortable and nurturing environment at home. You might wonder who is responsible for these inclusions, we will explore that in the next section!

Who is Responsible for 24 Hour Home Care?

The responsibility of 24 hour home care in the USA typically falls on various professionals working together to ensure the best possible care. Here’s who takes charge:

1. Home Care Agencies: Many families opt to hire services through reputable home care agencies that specialize in 24 hour care. These agencies employ trained and licensed caregivers, nurses, and other specialists who work in shifts to provide continuous care.
2. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses: For medical needs, skilled nursing care might be provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who are trained to administer medications, perform medical procedures, and manage health monitoring.
3. Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides: For personal care and assistance with daily living activities, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides (HHAs) often take charge.
4. Therapists: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists may be involved if rehabilitation services are required.
5. Family Caregivers: Sometimes, family members may also play a role in 24 hour home care, particularly in providing companionship and emotional support. They often work in coordination with professional caregivers to ensure that the loved one’s needs are met.
6. Care Coordinators or Case Managers: These professionals usually oversee and manage the entire care plan, coordinating between different care providers, the patient, and the family to ensure that all needs are addressed in a cohesive manner.
7. Specialized Caregivers: If the patient has specific conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or chronic illnesses, specialized caregivers with training and expertise in managing these conditions may be involved.

The collaboration of these various professionals ensures that 24 hour home care is comprehensive and tailored to the individual’s unique needs and preferences. It allows for both medical and non-medical support, creating a nurturing and supportive environment at home.

16 Benefits of 24 Hour Home Care

24 hour home care offers several benefits for both patients and their families, such as the following:

1. Personalized Care: With 24 hour home care, care plans are typically customized to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual. This personalization can lead to a more comfortable and supportive experience.
2. Fostering Independence: By providing assistance only where needed, 24 hour home care can help individuals maintain their independence and continue engaging in activities they enjoy.
3. Social Interaction: Regular companionship and social interaction with caregivers can help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those who live alone.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Depending on the needs and circumstances, 24 hour home care can be more cost-effective than full-time residence in a care facility. It allows for flexibility in the level of care provided.
5. Improved patient outcomes: One of the key benefits of 24 hour home care is that it can contribute to reducing unnecessary rehospitalizations and improving patient outcomes (Levine et al., 2010). When patients receive continuous care in their own homes, they are more likely to experience better health outcomes and have a higher quality of life. This is particularly important for patients with chronic diseases who require ongoing care and support.
6. Reduced caregiver stress: Providing care for a loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding, leading to caregiver stress and burnout. However, studies have shown that reducing caregiver stress can significantly delay or even prevent nursing home entry (Spillman & Long, 2009). With 24 hour home care, caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving round-the-clock care from trained professionals, which can alleviate their stress and burden.
7. Increased patient control and safety: Patients receiving 24 hour home care have the opportunity to participate in their own care and have a say in the selection of healthcare assistants (Swedberg et al., 2012). This level of involvement can enhance their sense of control and safety, as they are able to actively participate in decision-making and have a consistent team of caregivers who are familiar with their needs and preferences.
8. Consistency in Care: Having the same team of caregivers allows for consistency in care, as they become familiar with the patient’s habits, preferences, and medical history. This can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the care provided.
9. Family Involvement: 24 hour home care often allows for greater involvement of family members in the care process. This collaboration can enhance communication and create a more supportive care environment.
10. Enhanced Recovery: For those recovering from surgery or illness, the comfort and personalized attention provided at home can often promote a quicker and more pleasant recovery process.
11. Access to Pets and Personal Belongings: Being able to stay at home means that individuals can continue to enjoy the company of their pets and have access to personal belongings and hobbies, contributing to emotional well-being.
12. Flexibility: 24 hour home care provides the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and preferences, allowing adjustments to the care plan as needed without the upheaval of moving to a different facility.
13. Delayed transition to 24 hour care facilities: For patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, early start of anti-dementia medication has been shown to delay the transition to 24 hour care facilities (Halminen et al., 2021). This means that patients can continue to receive care in the comfort of their own homes for a longer period of time, maintaining their independence and familiar surroundings.
14. Improved quality of life: 24 hour home care can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Patients can remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones and a familiar environment (Swedberg et al., 2012). This can have a positive impact on their emotional well-being and overall satisfaction with their care.
15. Potential for Home Modifications: If necessary, the home environment can be modified to meet the individual’s needs, such as adding accessibility features, ensuring a comfortable and functional living space.
16. Peace of Mind for Family Members: Knowing that a loved one is cared for around the clock by professionals provides peace of mind for family members, even if they live at a distance.

The benefits of 24 hour home care extend beyond medical outcomes and encompass various aspects of an individual’s life, contributing to a more holistic and dignified approach to care.

How Much Does 24 Hour Home Care Cost in the USA?

As revealed by Genworth Financial’s most recent Cost of Care Survey, the median expense for services from a home health aide in the U.S. stands at $27 an hour. In Pennsylvania, specifically, that median is $26 an hour. Calculated at this rate, the cost for 24 hour care would amount to $4,536 each week, or a monthly total of $18,144 (which would be $4,368 each week, or a monthly total of $17,472 if you live in Pennsylvania).

The payment for 24 hour home care services can come from various sources, including:

• Private Pay: Individuals or families paying out of pocket using personal savings, income, or assets.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Policies specifically designed to cover home care and other long-term care services.
• Medicare: In certain situations, Medicare may cover a portion of home health care services, though it usually doesn’t cover 24 hour care.
• Medicaid: Depending on the state and individual eligibility, Medicaid may cover some or all of the costs of home care services for qualifying low-income individuals.
• Veterans Benefits: Veterans may qualify for specific programs that cover or subsidize home care services.
• State and Local Programs: Various state and community-based programs may provide financial assistance or subsidies for home care to eligible individuals.
• Reverse Mortgages: Some seniors may choose to use reverse mortgages to pay for home care, using the equity in their homes.
• Life Insurance: In some cases, life insurance policies may be leveraged to cover the cost of care.
• Family Contributions: Family members may contribute financially to help cover the costs.
• Employer Benefits: Some employers offer benefits or programs that can help with the cost of home care for employees and their family members.

The cost of 24 hour home care can be met through various means, including private funds, insurance, government assistance, and more. Understanding these options is crucial for making informed decisions that align with individual needs and financial situations. Investing in home care is an investment in the quality of life for loved ones, providing essential care and comfort where it matters most.

Conclusion

24 hour home care is an invaluable service for those needing assistance with daily activities. It offers a comprehensive solution that enhances the quality of life for seniors and disabled individuals. With the right provider, like Tahara Health, you can ensure your loved ones receive the compassionate and dedicated care they deserve.

References

• Halminen, O., Vesikansa, A., Hörhammer, I., Mikkola, T., Virta, L., Ylisaukko-oja, T., … & Linna, M. (2021). Early Start Of Anti-dementia Medication Delays Transition To 24-hour Care In Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: a Finnish Nationwide Cohort Study. Journal of Alzheimer S Disease, 3(81), 1103-1115. Link Here.
• Levine, C., Halper, D., Peist, A., Gould, D. (2010). Bridging Troubled Waters: Family Caregivers, Transitions, and Long-term Care. Health Affairs, 1(29), 116-124. Link Here.
• Spillman, B. and Long, S. (2009). Does High Caregiver Stress Predict Nursing Home Entry?. Inquiry the Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing, 2(46), 140-161. Link Here.
• Swedberg, L., Chiriac, E., Törnkvist, L., Hylander, I. (2012). Patients In 24-hour Home Care Striving For Control and Safety. BMC Nursing, 1(11). Link Here.