The statistics shout loud and clear. Most people prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes rather than face a move elsewhere. Having said that, home care is not always the best care option for everyone. So how do you determine if home care will be a good option for you or your loved one’s long-term care?

First determine the needs: Does the person you are caring for require minimal or a lot of assistance with daily personal tasks such as bathing, grooming, medications and feeding himself? Is the person able to walk and transfer from a bed or a chair independently or is a lot of assistance required? Is the person experiencing some or a lot of mental impairment such as with Alzheimer’s or dementia that might require around the clock care? These are all questions that should be considered.

Now consider finances: How will the home care be paid for? Non-medical home care is typically paid for through private funds or long-term care insurance. However, there are other options to explore, such as veterans’ benefits.

Weigh the pros and cons: Home is where the heart is, and with a well-trained personal caregiver to ensure safety, socialization, proper diet and exercise, it is no wonder that home care is such a popular option for care. But finances and/or a senior’s abilities may make other options for care a better choice for a particular person.