6 Home Care Myths & Misconceptions You Should Know

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about home care. This can stop seniors from getting the care and attention they need, even if they have a strong support system at home. 

Home care is for anyone who needs it. You don’t have to be at the end of your life, extremely ill, or incapacitated to enjoy the benefits of home care. Here are the most common myths circulating right now — and the truth behind each one. 

1. Home Care Is Only for Extremely Sick Seniors
2. The Average Senior Can’t Afford Home Care
3. It’s Too Risky to Get In-Home Care for a Loved One
4. In-Home Care Limits Your Independence
5. Home Care Replaces Your Social Network
6. You’ll Have Random Strangers in Your Home

Myth 1: Home Care Is Only for Extremely Sick Seniors

This myth couldn’t be more false. Home care takes different forms and can serve many different purposes. Patients of all ages benefit from home care and assistance with daily living. From special needs children to older adults, there’s no age or wellness limit on receiving home care. 

Getting a home care worker doesn’t mean you’re extremely sick. You could be in nearly perfect health and still receive help with chores and the tasks of daily living. This helps you “age in place,” staying in your residence while living your life to the fullest. 

Seniors with mobility problems, physical disabilities, and lack of a familial support system also have valid needs for home care. Don’t box yourself into the view of being “chronically ill” if you end up needing home senior care.

Myth 2: The Average Senior Can’t Afford Home Care

Many people believe that home care or “aging in place” is extremely expensive and unattainable for the average senior. This isn’t necessarily true, especially when you choose the right home care service for your needs. 

Home care can save your family lots of money compared to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The cost of having a home care worker is often much lower than residential fees and programs in senior living. 

Additionally, you don’t pay extra for food, activities, or fitness when you live at home. You can simply take your home care worker along for the ride. 

Myth 3: It’s Too Risky to Get In-Home Care for a Loved One

Some family members might worry that their senior loved one is at risk for safety incidents if they age at home. With the right high-quality in-home care program, you and your family never have to worry about this. Compassionate care workers are trained extensively in senior safety and fall prevention protocols. 

You can also choose the frequency of your in-home care visits. For example, if you or your loved one is at high risk for falls and other dangerous incidents, you can request care several times per week. More independent seniors can enjoy home care one or two times per week. 

Home care is all about meeting people’s unique needs. Good in-home care programs take a whole-person approach to in-home care, tailoring their services to the people who need them. 

Myth 4: In-Home Care Limits Your Independence

It’s common for seniors to believe that any type of assistance or care is limiting, restrictive, and undignified. You might be worried about losing your independence and personhood. 

Contrary to what some people believe, home care is actually designed to foster and grow your independence. You don’t have to worry about losing your dignity or being restricted in your own home. With the assistance of skilled home care workers, you’ll be able to achieve more than you could before, not less. 

In-home care programs are personalized to each patient’s individual wants and needs, so you’ll get the best type of care for your lifestyle. After all, the workers are guests in your home — you get the final say on how you live. 

Myth 5: Home Care Replaces Your Social Network

Your family and friends aren’t going anywhere. Even if you receive in-home support and personal care, you can still socialize and spend quality time with your loved ones. Home aides are there to help you, not interfere with your schedule. 

Seniors with in-home care should feel free to enjoy the same (or more!) social activities that they normally would. With home care, you can feel more empowered to connect with others, and that includes your existing social network. 

Myth 6: You’ll Have Random Strangers in Your Home

All quality home care programs thoroughly screen and background check every employee they hire. This means you can trust the care workers who are in your home every day. It’s not the same as hiring random people off the street to care for you or a loved one. 

Patient satisfaction is a top priority. If you ever have concerns or questions about your home care worker, let the agency know as soon as possible. You can always get a new match who is a better fit for your needs and personality. 

Don’t Write Off In-Home Care

It’s understandable to feel defensive or uneasy about receiving in-home care as a senior. Now that you know more about the truth behind common misconceptions, you can make an informed and empowered decision about your care. You deserve the best care out there, and in-home care can be a great solution.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.