In addition to the benefits of caring for frail or sick seniors, there are a number of instances where home caregivers can provide services to individuals needing rehabilitation services or care after hospital discharge.

With the changes in the healthcare arena requiring hospitals to discharge patients as soon as possible, and the evolution of nursing homes to places where acute illnesses are treated, more of the elderly population with ongoing special needs arising from medical treatment or surgery are being discharged to their homes.

People with indwelling catheters, breathing treatments, medication assistance, home oxygen and ambulation devices are being discharged to the home environment.

Some treatments and procedures should be supervised by licensed personnel prescribed by one's physician, but often, families are expected to learn and administer complicated equipment or treatments to their loved one. This process can be both difficult to manage and intimidating for a family.

Home care aides can also be of assistance to these individuals and their families in these circumstances.