Do I Need 24-Hour Home Care? Understanding Your Options and Needs

April 15, 2024

As families navigate the complexities of caring for aging loved ones or individuals with disabilities, the question of whether 24-hour home care services are necessary often arises. At Nova Home Care, we understand the importance of providing round-the-clock support for those who require it. But how can you know if 24-hour home care is the right choice? We delve into the benefits, drawbacks, and options for families, as well as how Nova Home Care’s services can meet your needs.

Understanding 24-Hour Home Care Services

24-hour home care services provide continuous support and assistance to individuals who require around-the-clock supervision, monitoring, and care. This level of care is typically necessary for individuals with advanced medical needs, severe mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, or those recovering from surgery or serious illnesses. It ensures that individuals can safely remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the care they need.

Benefits Of 24-Hour Home Care

For someone who needs 24-hour care, the options are to have a live-in caregiver who is always available or to move them to an assisted living facility. Generally, most people prefer to stay at home rather than go to a nursing facility, thanks to the many benefits of in-home care, including: 

  • Personalized care: Because of the one-to-one nature of home care, individuals receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Comfort and Familiarity: Being able to remain in familiar surroundings promotes comfort, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being.
  • Enhanced safety: Continuous supervision and assistance help prevent accidents, falls, and medical emergencies, promoting safety and peace of mind.
  • Companionship: Having a consistent caregiver in the home fosters a relationship of trust and closeness, boosting overall mood, combatting loneliness, and improving quality of life.

How Much Does 24-Hour Home Care Cost?

Round-the-clock care may, in some cases, be necessary for some individuals, but there are some concerns associated with it, such as:

  • Privacy: The individual being cared for may value their alone time over having a caregiver always around in the house.
  • Expense: 24-hour home care is usually more expensive than hiring a caregiver on a part-time basis, so it is important to consider your type of insurance. Depending on where you live, 24/7 home care can cost $19000-$25000 per month. However, there are options for financial assistance or even complete coverage for people on Medicaid, as described below.

Factors To Consider

If you’re thinking about 24-hour care for a loved one, it’s important to have a clear idea of the needs of the person being cared for and if they will benefit more from round-the-clock care or a part-time schedule. Consider the following:

  • Medical needs: Assess the individual’s medical condition and determine if they require frequent monitoring, medication management, or assistance with medical procedures.
  • Mobility and safety: Consider if the individual has mobility limitations or safety concerns that require constant supervision and assistance to prevent accidents or falls.
  • Cognitive function: Evaluate the individual’s cognitive function and determine if they require supervision due to confusion, disorientation, or memory loss.
  • Family support: Assess the availability of family members or caregivers to provide care and support during non-caregiver hours.
  • Quality of life: Consider the individual’s overall well-being and whether 24-hour care would enhance their quality of life and independence.
  • Budget: Consider your options for funding 24-hour care and what kind of financial support you can access to help.

That sounds like a tall order, and it is, which is why this kind of assessment is best done with the help of a professional home care agency.

Does Hospice Cover 24-hour Care At Home?

If you are on hospice care, you might wonder if it provides 24-hour care at home. Normally, this is not the case, especially if hospice care is insured through Medicare, which is strongly regulated to discourage this. In some cases, where the patient is projected to be in their final hours of life, a hospice care worker may stay with them around the clock to alleviate symptoms as required.

24-Hour Home Care in Indiana, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, Or Connecticut

At Nova Home Care, we offer comprehensive home care services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our dedicated caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and emotional support. We prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of our clients, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care in the comfort of their own homes. 

If you live in Indiana, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, or Connecticut and have a loved one who you think might benefit from home care, 24-hour or otherwise, then Nova Home Care can help you. Just take a few seconds to fill out our referral form, and one of our compassionate care coordinators will contact you for a consultation and guide you through your options. Our services are free for people on Medicaid, and we can help informal caregivers get paid to care for family members, offsetting the financial burden of 24-hour care.

Free Home Care On Medicaid: Options For Family Caregivers

At Nova Home Care, we are often asked if Medicare can pay for family caregivers. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers medically necessary home health care on a limited-time basis. Likewise

However, people on Medicaid have more options for financial assistance. If the person being cared for qualifies for Medicaid, then it is possible to become a paid caregiver for a disabled child or an aging relative through Nova Home Care. Having a family member become an official paid caregiver can allow the care recipient to receive 24-hour care from someone they love and trust at home. See our careers page to find out more about requirements, salary, and benefits.

Contact Nova Home Care Today For A Personalized Care Plan

If you’re unsure whether 24-hour home care is right for you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nova Home Care at 317.537.2490 or through our website. Our compassionate team will assess your needs, answer your questions, and provide guidance on the most suitable care options. Your comfort, safety, and well-being are our top priorities, and Nova Home Care is here to help you every step of the way.

More Resources around 24-hour Home care:

You May Be Eligible!