24-Hour Home Care Guide
For many families, the decision of how best to care for aging loved ones is difficult and emotionally challenging. This can be a stressful time for families, who may feel overwhelmed managing care while also juggling their own lives. As we age, it becomes harder to remain independent, and round-the-clock care may become necessary later in life. Fortunately, many providers offer 24-hour home care services with an emphasis on patient comfort, safety and dignity. These services take place in a familiar, relaxing environment. 24-hour home care can provide the support loved ones need to stay safe and comfortable at home. Learn more about 24-hour in-home care, its advantages, and how BrightStar® Home Care can make a difference in your life.
What Is 24-Hour Care?
24-hour home care is a type of in-home care service that provides round-the-clock assistance and supervision to individuals who require ongoing support. Family caregivers do an excellent job of caring for their loved ones. Nevertheless, many are not professionally trained and don't know what kind of support their loved one needs. Here's where 24-hour home care comes in. This array of services offers constant assistance for those who cannot live on their own. Providers may include a range of services in-home care packages, including the following:- Meal preparation
- Assistance with dressing and personal hygiene
- Mobility help
- Transportation
- Companion care
- Light housekeeping
When Is 24-Hour Care Necessary?
All-day home care provides extra support for those who can no longer complete daily activities by themselves. It's difficult to give a general answer about when home care will be required, as every individual is different. However, here are some signs that 24-hour in-home support is necessary:
- Your loved one has been diagnosed with a degenerative illness, like Alzheimer's and dementia
- Your loved one has specialized needs that a family caregiver can't meet
- Family caregivers aren't available all day
- Family caregivers need a break to recharge and focus on their own lives
Round-the-Clock Care Means Knowing Your Loved Ones are Being Cared For
The main benefit of 24-hour home care is round-the-clock care for the elderly or loved ones with special needs. For you, this means healthcare services are available 24/7. A caregiver will always be there to assist them with daily activities, even through the night. This includes help with tasks like bathing, dressing, using the restroom or taking medication.
Beyond daytime assistance, round-the-clock home care or 24-hour home care goes a step further. Our caregivers provide a comforting presence and ensure your loved one's security throughout the night. Whether it's offering help with toileting to avoid slips and falls, monitoring their well-being, or simply being present.
Your loved one can still engage in the activities they've always enjoyed, such as visiting friends or attending community events. This constant support allows families to rest easy, knowing their relative receives exceptional care, day and night. As an added benefit, 24-hour care can even promote a normal sleep schedule for seniors by providing gentle assistance when needed.
The Cost of 24-Hour Care Services
Many people worry that 24-hour home health care services are too expensive for their loved ones. However, the cost of 24-hour in-home care varies greatly, and it's possible to find a service that fits within your budget.We understand that the cost of 24-hour home care is a major concern for many families. The good news is there are ways to make it more manageable. For example, at BrightStar Home Care, we offer competitively priced packages tailored specifically to each individual. You're welcome to reach out to our team and discuss a plan that fits your family's needs.
Schedule a free consultation with a BrightStar Home Care Registered Nurse to discuss your loved one's needs and explore cost-effective care options.
24-Hour Care and Medicaid
Many people wonder if Medicaid will pay for 24-hour home care. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward, and coverage can vary by state. Some states allow for this type of care, but others prioritize care in skilled nursing facilities. In general, Medicaid tends to pay for some form of in-home care. Nevertheless, it’s essential to check your policy to learn more about the extent of coverage.Common Concerns
What is the difference between 24-hour home care and live-in care?
While both 24-hour home care and live-in care provide extensive care to clients, there are a few key differences. With 24-hour home care, 2-3 different caregivers rotate in shifts, tending to the needs of a client throughout a 24-hour period. By contrast, a single live-in caregiver stays in the same residence as their client.While 24-hour care secures overnight care and support due to caregivers working in shifts, a live-in caregiver will require dedicated sleep hours that will not include overnight care for the client. Both levels of support offer comprehensive care and each can be used for specific purposes or for certain stretches of time, as needed.
What happens if a caregiver gets sick or needs a day off?
If a specific caregiver is sick or needs a day off, BrightStar Home Care will communicate effectively and efficiently to ensure that there will be someone to cover for that caregiver. We keep a consistent on-call staff, swiftly manage shift changes and make sure our clients receive A Higher Standard® of care, no matter what staffing changes may occur.How can I pay for 24-hour home care?
There are several options available for paying for 24-hour home care. Based on your circumstances, you may be able to access long-term care insurance, Medicaid, veteran’s benefits or create a private payment plan.* We are committed to creating a plan that will work for your family’s budget.*Payment options and accepted insurance plans vary by location.
What services are included in 24-hour home care?
Every client is different, which is why 24-hour home care is always tailored to ensure that their unique needs are met. Typically, 24-hour home care includes personal care assistance, medication management, meal preparation, mobility assistance and companionship. If more specific healthcare or skilled nursing needs are required, we will ensure the correct staffing is in place for your loved one.Who might need 24-hour home care?
There are a variety of circumstances that may necessitate 24-hour home care. Our highly trained staff has experience in caring for individuals with severe disabilities, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, clients recovering from illness or surgery, as well as those with a terminal illness. Whether 24-hour care is a short-term or long-term care solution for your loved one, we can help create a compassionate plan according to the highest standards of care.Key Benefits of 24-Hour Home Care
Enjoy Greater Peace of Mind
Home care may be geared toward the individual receiving support, but it also provides respite care for the families. You'll have peace of mind knowing someone is always available to help your loved one. Instead of worrying about the unexpected, you can feel secure in the knowledge that if emergencies happen they are handled swiftly by trained professionals.Continue Care in the Comfort of Home
For many seniors, their home is more than just a place to live; it's a haven filled with cherished memories. 24-hour home care services enable individuals to stay in their homes while receiving the care they need. Moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility is a challenging transition, and most seniors would prefer to remain in their homes where they feel happy and comfortable. Familiar surroundings can promote a sense of security and well-being, crucial for seniors' emotional and mental health. Home care also offers greater privacy and control over daily routines compared to a shared living environment. With home care, your loved one will receive top-notch care from experienced professionals while staying in familiar surroundings.Allowing for Independence and Socialization
Independence is a key 24-hour home care benefit. No one likes feeling unable to do what they love, and home care services allow older folks to continue to live by themselves. They can maintain control over their daily routine and keep up with their favorite activities with the help of a home care professional.Staying at home doesn't have to mean isolation. Beyond that, seniors who take advantage of 24-hour care can choose to remain close to friends and family, minimizing the sense of isolation that often comes with aging.