Families across the United States are turning to non‑medical home care not as a short‑term fix but as a lasting part of an aging‑in‑place plan, according to a new survey commissioned by A Place for Mom. The study, which surveyed 708 family caregivers who were searching for, using, or had stopped home‑care services, reveals why sustained home‑care arrangements succeed.
Home care seen as permanent, not temporary
When asked about their expectations, 62% of caregivers actively searching for home care said they anticipated it would become a long‑term or permanent solution, while only 19% expected a temporary arrangement. Most families said they would adjust the number of care hours or modify services rather than move a loved one to a senior‑living community if needs changed.
Family involvement reshaped, not eliminated
Professional caregivers take on many daily tasks, yet 54% of long‑term home‑care users reported that their own involvement stayed about the same after hiring help, and only 24% said it decreased. Caregivers continue to coordinate appointments, manage medications, provide emotional support, and handle household duties, while professionals handle hands‑on care.
Trusted caregiver relationships drive continuity
The survey found that families who remained with home‑care services reported higher satisfaction with caregiver reliability, communication, and continuity. Those who discontinued services experienced more scheduling disruptions and lower satisfaction with consistent care. Consistent, trustworthy caregivers help families navigate changing needs with confidence.
Preserving independence and dignity
For 63% of respondents, a loved one’s preference to stay at home was a top reason for choosing home care—far outweighing cost or convenience factors. Home remains a place of routine, relationships, and independence for seniors, and home‑care services enable them to maintain those elements while receiving needed support.
Future care needs expected to grow
Nearly half of caregivers expect the number of care hours required to increase over the next year, and 44% anticipate a rise in care hours, while only 2% expect a decrease. This outlook reinforces the view of home care as an adaptable infrastructure that can expand as needs evolve.
Overall, the findings suggest that families are not simply replacing one care option with another; they are integrating professional home‑care into a broader strategy to keep loved ones at home, preserving independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
