Human Resources: Study has shown that most older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes as they age

SHELTON, CT, March 31, 2008—Study after study has shown that most older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes as they age rather than move into an assisted living facility or other long-term care facility. If you provide care to an older loved one who remains in her/his own home, at some point you will likely need to consider hiring some type of in-home care professional (e.g., a home health aide, a registered nurse, a physical therapist, etc.). While home care can be beneficial to many, it may not be the best plan for everyone. Before hiring a home care professional, ask yourself the following questions:

- Is assistance required for any activity of daily living (e.g., dressing, eating, toileting, bathing)?
- Is it truly feasible to provide care in the home environment?
- Will insurance pay for any home care services?
- Can you or your loved one afford to pay for home care services not covered by insurance?
- Is surgery or hospitalization planned and is it anticipated that medical or personal assistance will be required after hospital discharge?
- Has a physician suggested home care services?
- If you are the caregiver for your loved one, are your caregiving duties becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, then home care may be a viable option. However, if 24-hour care is necessary, then home care may be cost-prohibitive and/or medically inappropriate.

LifeCare's Fast Facts is an ongoing series of documents created for reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint the information presented here in whole or in part, with attribution to LifeCare, Inc. If you would like more information about a particular topic or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts, please contact Michael Civiello, manager – marketing and media relations, at 203-291-4170 or mciviello[at]lifecare.com.

About LifeCare®, Inc.

LifeCare offers cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve our clients' bottom line. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

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