As the proverbial WWII and Baby-Boomer generations age, there is now a dramatic increase in the demand for services that allow seniors to age in place - to stay at home for as long as possible.  In the last 15 years or so, numerous companies have opened that provide caregivers in the home. 

Laws regulating the in-home care industry vary from state to state.  In some states, “In-Home Care” is required to be provided by a Licensed Home Health Agency.  In the state of California, In-home or “custodial care” can be provided by any company with a business license.  We mention this to you only to point out that care standards, quality of care, caregiver screening and oversight are up to the individual companies.  Quality of service will vary greatly between companies, and price is not necessarily a good barometer of care quality.  (see tips for evaluating in-home care).

As our industry is relatively new, even the term ‘in-home” care is not widely known.  Some may call it “custodial care”, “companion care,” or even “non-medical care.”  We don’t use these terms because they  do not represent the broad scope of what we actually do for our clients.

Our clients run the gamut from the senior who wants an occasional ride to a doctor’s appointment to providing 24/7 end-of-life care.  Most of our clients utilize our services a few times a week for a few hours each visit.  Our care is totally customized, and the times and duration of care is dictated by the client.  As needs change, we adjust the plan of care as required.

While in-home care is non-medical in nature, almost all of our clients are dealing with at least one serious health issue or with mental impairment.  It is crucial that your in-home care staff be familiar with the personal care needs that arise from the specific condition(s) present.  We often work in conjunction with medical care providers and family to ensure that prescribed exercises, medications, hygiene and transfer protocols are adhered to. 

Often we find that we are providing care in conjunction with family caregivers.  Utilization of our service provides a much-needed break to family members, and allows family relations to focus on something other than care needs.  Many family members find we allow them to focus on long-neglected areas of their own lives, which had been consumed with care-giving. 

While some view us as an alternative to assisted living facilities, that is only partially true.  Our care is focused one-on-one for the entire time we are in the home.  We also provide caregivers to seniors in residential facilities to augment the care they receive from the facility staff.