About Long Term Care at Home

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Most of those receiving long-term care and most caregivers prefer a home environment. Out of an estimated 11 million Americans receiving care, probably about 8 million or 75% are in their own home or the home of a family member or friend. Most older people prefer their home over the unfamiliar proposition of living in a care facility. Family or friends attempt to accommodate the wishes of loved ones even though care giving needs might warrant a different environment.

Often the decision to stay in the home is dictated by funds available. It is much cheaper for a wife to care for her husband at home than to pay out $2,000 to $4,000 a month for care in a facility. Likewise, it's much less costly and more loving for a daughter to have her widowed mother move in to the daughter's home than to liquidate mom's assets and put her in a nursing home. Besides, taking care of our parents or spouses is an obligation most of us feel very strongly about.

Those needing care feel comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings and a home is usually the best setting for that support. But despite the psychological advantage, a home may not always be the best place for those receiving care or for the caregiver. . . .(13 pages printed)