Is It Time for In-Home Care?

Helping you or your loved ones reclaim all that life has to offer

Caring for the ones who cared for you

Hope, connectedness, purpose, and joy are qualities we all want to maintain throughout life. However, as loved ones age, it often becomes clear that they may need additional support to enjoy life fully and safely.

Choosing in-home care doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and the process is much easier when you find someone you can trust. We’re here to help you take the first step.

This guide will walk you through recognizing when in-home care might be needed, what to look for in a care provider, and how Comfort Keepers can support you and your family.

Determining If Your Loved One Needs Assistance

Start by asking the right questions. If the answer to even one of the following is “yes,” it may be time to consider in-home care.

Remember—getting a little extra help can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone involved.

• Has there been a recent crisis?
• Does the individual bathe less often?
• Are medications left over or running out too soon?
• Are they becoming forgetful?
• Have there been recent falls?
• Has there been noticeable weight loss or gain?
• Is hearing affecting daily function?
• Is vision affecting daily function?
• Do they need help walking?
• Are they verbally or physically aggressive?
• Can they run errands alone?
• Are there scorch marks on dish towels?
• Is routine house cleaning no longer being done?
• Is clothing not being changed regularly?
• Have social activities decreased?

Initiating a Conversation

Maintaining positive and productive discussions is crucial. Instead of approaching it as “The Conversation,” treat it as a series of open, ongoing discussions.

Tips for starting the conversation:

• Begin early, while your loved one can clearly express their wants, needs, and preferences.
• Choose a comfortable time and place. Avoid holidays or events with time constraints.
• Make it non-threatening by expressing concern rather than giving directives.
• Offer options—not instructions. Ask questions, listen carefully, and explore multiple solutions together.

Maintaining Peace, Joy, and Comfort at Home

It’s natural to consider moving your loved one to a facility, but relocating someone against their wishes can increase stress, frustration, and depression. Aging in place enables seniors to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain their independence, and continue participating in daily routines that hold meaning for them.

In many cases, it’s also more cost-effective than assisted living or nursing facilities, especially for individuals who already own their homes. With in-home caregivers or private duty nursing, support can be tailored to individual needs and extended as necessary.

What to Look for in a Care Provider

With numerous reputable care providers available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. For some agencies, care is a job—for others, it’s a calling. Here are key questions to ask:

1. How do you support physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. How do you keep families informed and involved?
4. Do you match caregivers to clients based on specific needs and personality?
5. Do you have liability coverage?
6. Are caregivers bonded and insured for theft?
7. Do you perform national and local background and driving checks?
8. Are caregivers employees of your company and covered by workers' compensation?
9. How do you track the arrival and departure times of caregivers?
10. Do you have a local office and 24/7 phone support?

The Comfort Keepers Difference

Service that nurtures, provided by people who care

With over two decades of experience, Comfort Keepers has witnessed firsthand how compassionate care can improve lives, foster meaningful relationships, and uplift the human spirit.

We care for people in their own homes—where life happens.

Interactive Caregiving™

Our holistic approach focuses on the mind, body, nutrition, and safety. When planning daily activities, caregivers consider these four pillars to ensure clients remain active, engaged, and supported.

Every Comfort Keeper undergoes background checks, interviews, and reference reviews. They are employees—not contractors—and are insured, bonded, and covered by workers’ compensation.

Personal Care Services

Customized personal care services help seniors and other adults remain safe, comfortable, and happy at home:

• Bathing, grooming, and hygiene
• Mobility assistance
• Transferring and positioning
• Toileting and incontinence care
• Meal preparation and diet management
• Dementia care
• Medication reminders

We also help support physician-prescribed diets designed to manage conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Care Services

Social engagement is crucial for maintaining both physical and emotional well-being. In addition to personal care, Comfort Keepers can provide:

• Companionship
• Meal preparation
• Laundry
• Light housekeeping
• Incidental transportation
• Grocery shopping
• Errand services
• Live-in services (where available)
• 24-hour care
• Respite care

Home Safety

While aging at home promotes independence, it may also increase risks such as falls, forgetfulness, and missed medication doses. Comfort Keepers offers home safety solutions to provide peace of mind.

The SafetyChoice® Centralized Monitoring Station (where available) is staffed 24/7 with caring associates who remain on the line until help arrives.

Solutions include:

• Personal Emergency Response Systems
• Medication Safety and Management Devices
• Home Monitoring Systems (availability varies by state)

Dementia Care

Familiar surroundings help reduce confusion and support cognitive engagement for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Our dementia care includes:

• Education for families
• Structured, personalized activities
• Home safety guidance
• Connections to medical and community resources
• In-home alert systems and monitoring solutions

Financial Considerations and Resources

There are several options for financing in-home care. You can research each option carefully, taking into account your unique situation.

• Long-Term Care Insurance – Helps cover the costs of extended care.
• VA Aid & Attendance Benefit – Supports eligible veterans and surviving spouses.
• Out-of-Pocket – A flexible option once all other resources have been evaluated.

There’s No Day Like Today

We are ready to lift your loved one's spirits and help them continue living a happy, healthy, independent life at home.

Care can begin within 24 hours of contact. Comfort Keepers is available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends. Contact us today to learn more.