The "Caring for America's Seniors: The Value of Home Care" Report

Aging in America is dramatically reshaping society and creating an ever-increasing dilemma: Nearly 70 percent of Americans who reach age 65 will at some point need assistance to care for themselves. But who will provide that care?

In four years, the United States will be home to 56 million people age 65 and older, and this number is expected to climb to 84 million by 2050. The country’s traditional model of institutional care such as social services and nursing homes cannot keep pace with this rapid demographic rise of America’s seniors. Family members who step in to help aging parents and relatives face their own limitations of juggling work and raising children. Compounding the issue is that on average, older adults and their nearest child live about 300 miles apart.

To help, professional home care is emerging as an invaluable partner in providing care and comfort for elderly loved ones. Trained at-home caregivers assist with daily living activities such as dressing and preparing meals to managing more skilled care including diabetic injections and wound care. Home care fills in the gap between living in a care facility and depending heavily on family members.

“Nine out of 10 Americans age 65 and above say they want to age in their own home as long as possible,” said Celeste Begley, Merrimack Valley resident and Community Relations Director of Right at Home Boston and North. “For millions of seniors in our country, a few hours of in-home assistance a day can keep them living safely and happily at home. Home care complements medical care and eases the day-to-day stress for both seniors and their families.”

Celeste Begley notes that in response to the tens of millions of aging Americans who will need some form of long-term care, the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) and the Global Coalition on Aging (GCA) issued the “Caring for America’s Seniors: The Value of Home Care” report. The HCAOA is the home care industry’s leading trade association that protects the interests of seniors and provides a unified voice for the well-being of the elderly among the national government and state governments. The GCA is the world’s top business advocate on aging policy and strategy.

“The Value of Home Care” report highlights that HCAOA members provide nearly 1 million hours of care every day, serving approximately 400,000 seniors and people with disabilities. The research also finds that the average age of senior home care recipients is 69 and that 37 percent of care recipients have more than one ongoing health problem.

Home Care Improves Seniors’ Health Outcomes

Professional caregivers provide a range of services and companionship so older loved ones can enjoy living independently longer. Specific health benefits from home care include:

• Reducing common injuries and falls. In-home caregivers complete everyday tasks for seniors (e.g., cooking, light housekeeping and laundry), which protects older adults from muscle strains, burns, falls and other injuries.
• Keeping seniors connected and engaged. Because of driving limitations, older adults often miss out on social activities. Professional caregivers can help with transportation to social functions and to errands and medical appointments. Care specialists also assist with computer and phone connections to keep seniors in touch with family and friends.
• Protecting everyday health. Up to 75 percent of seniors make some type of medication error. In-home caregivers provide medication reminders and prepare nutritious meals to keep elders healthy and energetic. Professional caregivers also help ensure the personal hygiene of elders and can spot changes in their condition that could lead to a possible health issue.

Home Care Reduces Overall Healthcare Costs

By improving the health of seniors, at-home caregivers lower healthcare costs nationwide. Home care reduces hospital admissions and readmissions, keeping down the cost of government-funded healthcare including Medicare and Medicaid. A more cost-effective option for the well-being of older adults, in-home care services saved hospitals as much as $25 billion in 2008 alone. One study finds that paid at-home care decreased doctor visits by 25 percent annually.

For 2015, professional home care services cost roughly $45,000 a year for an average of 44 hours per week—half the cost of $91,250 for a private room in a nursing home. It only costs about $1,800 more a year to remain living at home with assistance versus moving to an assisted living facility.

Mary Hartsock, age 91, is featured in “The Value of Home Care” report and understands firsthand the personal and cost benefits of home care agencies. Hartsock is a senior advocate for Right at Home’s Frederick, Md., office owned by Steve and Carole Luber. The Right at Home 2014 Caregiver of the Year, Hartsock spoke at a June 2016 congressional briefing on “The Value of Home Care” report. The briefing also highlighted a bill supported by the HCAOA and Right at Home to provide a tax credit for family members caring for their elderly and/or disabled family members.

“I haven’t missed a shift in 10 years,” Hartsock said. “During Hurricane Sandy, I lost water and electricity for five days, but I still made it to work. I enjoy this job so much that I plan to keep doing it part time for as long as I can. It’s that personal bond with each individual, and the satisfaction I get from helping them, that keeps me going.”

It’s dedicated caregivers like Hartsock who help many of the 46 million Americans over age 65 add another birthday candle to their cakes this year—the majority wanting to enjoy another year living in the comforts of home.

About Right at Home of Boston and North

The Right at Home Boston and North office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Boston, Merrimack Valley, and North Shore. For more information, contact Right at Home of Boston and North by visiting their webpage at http://www.rightathome.net/boston-nort. Or contact Celeste Begley, Director of Community Relations today by phone: 781-548-0017 or by email at cbegley@rightathomemass.com

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