There aren't many seniors who would raise their hands and happily volunteer to move to assisted living or a nursing home. On the contrary, most want to stay at home even when life at home is becoming difficult. As we all live longer, and the number of older people living in their own homes increases, there has been a corresponding growth in community services designed to make staying at home possible. These services can be a Godsend for caregivers who are stretched for time, or who may not live close enough to offer help as often as they would like.

Often just having help for a few hours a day or several times a week is enough to keep a senior safe at home. Many older folks at home begin in this fashion, and then extend the amount of assistance they use as their needs increase.

Companionship: Loneliness is a burden for many seniors. Their friends are aging and may no longer be getting out to visit. Many longtime friends may have passed away. Even if a senior is still driving, it isn't as much fun to go to a movie or out for ice cream alone. A companion who telephones regularly or visits on a regular basis can bring some sunshine back into a solitary day. Many churches and synagogues have volunteer companion programs. Check with your local senior center, as well. Senior Centers may also offer transportation so a senior can enjoy a meal and some group activities or excursions at the center without worrying about driving.

Homemaker Services: From a commercial service that offers regular "maid" service to a housekeeper who will come regularly to do light cleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping and offer companionship at the same time, there is a service for every need. Many of the non-medical homecare agencies listed on this site offer these services. You can also ask your local Senior Center for referrals. Homemaker services are rarely covered by any kind of insurance, so the cost would have to be paid privately.

Personal Care: Most accidents happen in the bathroom. Sometimes our older loved ones give up on bathing because it becomes too difficult or frightening to do alone. A non-medical home care agency can send a trained professional caregiver to assist with bathing dressing, hair care and other personal needs. If your elder also needs homemaker services, a personal care provider can also provide these services during the same visit, which can significantly reduce total costs. A non-medical home care agency will usually not be able to bill health insurance for their services.

Home Health Care: If it is difficult for your elder to travel but he or she has the need to see a nurse or therapist on a regular basis, a medical home care agency can offer these services at home. Medical home care is usually covered by a senior's Medicare policy if a physician calls a Medicare-certified agency to order services and certifies that home health care is necessary. Often, if a senior is receiving medical home care from a licensed Medicare agency, the agency will also provide aide services for assistance with bathing and personal care for a limited period of time.

Adult Day Activities (Day Care): Adult day programs offer supervision, companionship, activities, and healthy meals during the day. A senior enrolled in an adult day activities program will usually also be in need of supervision and assistance at home, so these programs are for the senior who has someone available in the hours he or she is not in attendance and on weekends. These programs are an excellent resource and support for caregivers who have to go to work, or who need some respite time during the day.

Hospice Care: Hospice offers medical and emotional support for patients with a terminal illness and for their families. A Hospice agency can provide help wherever the patient lives - at home, in an assisted living residence or in a nursing home. Members of the Hospice team will visit regularly to monitor care, provide pain relief and palliative care, and help with personal care. They are not able to provide round-the-clock care for the duration of an illness, so there must be other caregivers available. Hospice care is almost always covered by Medicare and other health insurance.

Live-In Help: When caregivers live far away or want someone in the home 24 hours a day to help with care, a live in caregiver is often the preferred choice. A live-in caregiver will most often receive room, board, and a salary in exchange for care. Costs will be equal to or greater than assisted living or nursing home care, but the opportunity to stay at home often outweighs the costs.