In this interview on Seniors Everyday by Gray Media, Amy Sharpe talks with Val from Caring Friends In-Home Care about National Care at Home Month and how to spot signs an aging parent needs help during holiday visits.
November is National Care at Home Month, a time to recognize the services that help people stay safe at home: hospice, home health and home care. It also comes right before the holidays, when many families see aging parents in person for the first time in months.
That makes it a good time to notice how a loved one is really doing, and to start a conversation about help before it’s urgent.
Three Kinds of Care at Home
In-home care can take different forms depending on a person’s needs. National Care at Home Month is an opportunity to better understand the support available and what each type of care provides.
- Hospice: comfort-focused care for people near the end of life, provided by a medical team.
- Home health: short-term medical care at home, like nursing or therapy, usually ordered by a doctor.
- Home care: non-medical help with everyday tasks. This is what Caring Friends In-Home Care provides.
Many families don’t learn the difference until a loved one needs care, and trying to navigate unfamiliar services during an already stressful time can feel overwhelming. Having a better understanding of the options can make it easier to ask questions, talk with the right professionals, and feel more confident about the next steps. At Caring Friends, we’re always happy to talk through your questions, help you understand what non-medical in-home care can provide, and determine whether we’re the right fit for your family’s needs.
Signs an Aging Parent Needs Help During Holiday Visits
With National Care at Home Month taking place in November, we’re encouraging families to use holiday visits as an opportunity to notice changes in their loved one’s routines, health, and overall well-being.
- Is the house kept up the way it used to be?
- Is there fresh food in the fridge, and are meals getting made?
- Are mail, bills or medications piling up?
- Do they seem unsteady on their feet, or has there been a fall?
- Are bathing and grooming routines slipping?
- Do they seem lonely, or are they getting out less?
One of these alone may not mean much. A few together are worth a conversation.
For more ways to make the holidays easier for an aging loved one, explore our article on how in-home care helps seniors enjoy holiday traditions.
Why Talking Early Is Easier
A conversation over coffee is very different from one in a hospital waiting room. When you talk early, your loved one has a say in what help looks like, and you have time to find the right fit. When something happens first, families often have to make big decisions fast and under stress.
These conversations are especially important during National Care at Home Month, which reminds us that planning for care early can give everyone more time to understand their options and make decisions together.
You don’t need a full plan after one talk. Asking “What’s been getting harder?” is a good place to start.
How In-Home Care Can Help
As we recognize National Care at Home Month, it’s important to remember that non-medical home care can offer valuable support with everyday activities while helping older adults remain in the comfort of their own homes.
Caring Friends caregivers help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and companionship. That support can help an older adult stay at home, and it lets family members spend the holidays being family instead of being the caregiver.
Home care isn’t the right fit for every family, and we’ll be honest with you if we’re not.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Home Care
National Care at Home Month is a reminder that understanding care options is an important part of helping older adults remain safe and comfortable at home. If your holiday visit has raised questions about your loved one’s needs, you may be wondering what comes next. Here are some common questions families ask when exploring in-home care.
How do I talk to my parent about needing help at home?
Start with a conversation rather than a list of concerns. Share what you’ve noticed, express that you want them to remain safe and comfortable, and ask how they’ve been managing everyday activities. Including your parent in the discussion helps them maintain a sense of independence and have a voice in decisions about their care.
What if my parent doesn’t think they need help?
It’s not uncommon for older adults to resist the idea of receiving help, particularly if they’re used to managing everything themselves. During National Care at Home Month, families are encouraged to think about support as a way to maintain independence rather than a loss of it. Instead of trying to convince your parent all at once, focus on specific tasks that have become more challenging. Introducing support with one or two activities can make the transition feel more comfortable.
What services does Caring Friends In-Home Care provide?
Caring Friends provides non-medical in-home care to help older adults with everyday activities. Services include personal care, bathing and grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and companionship. Care is tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.
Who makes up the Caring Friends team?
Providing quality in-home care involves more than the caregiver who visits a client’s home. Caring Friends has a team working behind the scenes to support clients, families, and caregivers. You can meet the Caring Friends team and learn more about the people who make care possible in our article, Who Helps With What? Meet the Team Behind Your In-Home Care.
Why choose Caring Friends for in-home care?
Choosing an in-home care provider is an important decision for both older adults and their families. Caring Friends works with families to understand their loved one’s needs, explore appropriate support, and find ways to make everyday life easier while preserving independence. The goal is to provide dependable support that helps clients feel comfortable in their homes and gives families greater peace of mind.
What happens during a free in-home care visit?
A free in-home visit gives families an opportunity to discuss their loved one’s needs, ask questions, and learn more about available support. A Caring Friends local supervisor can talk through the family’s situation and help determine whether non-medical in-home care is a good fit.
Can family members still be involved when a caregiver comes into the home?
Absolutely. In-home care is meant to complement the support family members already provide. Families can remain involved in their loved one’s routines and care decisions while having additional help with everyday responsibilities.
As we recognize National Care at Home Month, it’s worth remembering that exploring care options doesn’t mean making an immediate commitment. Sometimes, the first step is simply having a conversation, asking questions, and learning what support could make life a little easier for everyone.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
If you notice changes over the holidays, call our Lincoln office at (402) 207-1050 or use the Contact Us form on our website. A local supervisor can set up a free in-home visit to talk through what your loved one needs.
Not sure yet? Our free family guide, Is It Time for Help at Home?, walks through the signs.