Creating the Ideal Home Care Environment: Why It Matters for Quality Care

It is hard not to notice how many older adults need help and assistance. You see it when you go grocery shopping or just when you walk around your neighborhood; aging often results in the need for help with the everyday living activities most of us take for granted. 

As the cost of long-term care rises and the population ages, more people are taking on the role of caregiver for their loved ones at home. Most adult children have little choice unless their parents had purchased Long-Term Care Insurance. 

Whether they have a policy or not, creating the right environment for in-home care is essential, as it can significantly impact the well-being of the caregiver and the person receiving care. Older adults might need to transfer to a long-term care facility without a home environment that allows for better safety and independence. 

According to the AARP, nearly 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to adults aged 50 or older, often taking on this responsibility in their homes. Currently, millions of Americans receive in-home care, supported by a combination of Long-Term Care Insurance and Medicaid (traditional health insurance and Medicare will pay for short-term skilled care at home or in a facility.) Many families pay for professional in-home caregivers from income or savings. 

The environment you create for a loved one who desires to remain at home can significantly impact their daily life and the quality of care they receive. Ensuring the house is safe, comfortable, and conducive to their physical and emotional health is essential. Taking the time to make these adjustments can enhance their well-being and improve the caregiving experience.

How to Create the Right Environment

To transform your home (or a loved one's home) into a better functional space for someone who needs care, you should first consider their needs and the current space you have. Make a list of their limitations, the equipment they need, and what items might make their life easier. This will give you an idea of the scope of the work ahead and help you create a plan for what you need and how this will be installed at home. 

If your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance, some policies will pay for upgrades to the home, within limits, to make the home more age-friendly.  

Do It Yourself (DIY) Jobs

Many tasks can be handled on your own, such as installing bathroom grab rails, shower enclosures, wooden banisters, and shelving for those with limited mobility. Handy guides are available for these DIY jobs, but ensuring you have the right tools for the job is essential.

For example, you might need a skill saw to create accessible wooden fixtures such as shelving and handrails for mobility when using stairs.

Accessibility

Accessibility is crucial when caring for someone at home, whether it's an elderly parent with mobility issues or a loved one with a disability. Ensuring a space is usable for all encourages independence and comfort in the home, the one place where everyone should feel at ease. 

Making necessary adjustments to improve accessibility can greatly enhance the quality of life for those you care for. There are many ways that you can make your home more accessible, including:

• Ramps
• Wider doorways
• Stairlifts
• Shower seats
• Raised toilet seats

Professional Help

It is also a good idea to enlist professional help, especially if your loved one has challenging requirements. Occupational therapists can assess the home and suggest modifications to improve accessibility and safety, such as installing grab bars and rearranging furniture to reduce fall risks. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, these professionals can provide practical solutions tailored to your loved one's needs, helping to enhance independence and daily functioning.

Additionally, geriatric care managers play a crucial role in coordinating long-term care. These professionals can help families navigate the complexities of elder care, including recommending home modifications, arranging for home health care services, and connecting families with aging-in-place specialists. 

Aging-in-place specialists focus on making homes more livable for older adults, ensuring that the environment supports their health and well-being. The Aging Life Care Association says that by consulting these experts, families can create a supportive and safe home environment for their loved ones. 

If your loved one does not have an LTC policy, you may be able to find funding programs, and grants may also be available to help cover the costs involved in creating a more accessible home. 

Care at Home Often Preferable 

Receiving in-home care allows older adults to enjoy a better quality of life by staying in a familiar and comfortable environment. However, caregivers are costly, and these costs can increase over time. Additionally, the care recipient's needs may escalate, potentially requiring a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. 

Family caregivers usually find, over time, that they can no longer manage the demands of caring for others while maintaining their jobs and other family responsibilities. 

Finding quality in-home care or respite care can also be complicated. The LTC News Caregiver Directory has the largest database of caregivers and facilities nationwide. You can search from over 80,000 listings to find caregivers, senior communities, and long-term care facilities. 

With a few clicks, you can quickly narrow down options and find the best care for your loved one - Search for Quality Long-Term Care Providers and Facilities Near You.

If you are providing care for a loved one at home, you need to ensure that you create an environment that is practical, comfortable, and safe for all.