How to Decide if In-Home Care is Right for Your Loved One

As our loved ones age or experience changes in their health, it’s natural to want the very best for them. One of the most important decisions families face is whether in-home care is the right solution. It’s not always an easy decision—but at Advanced Care, we’re here to help you navigate that choice with clarity, compassion, and expert support.

In Wisconsin, where over 1 million seniors aged 65 and older reside—representing nearly 18% of the population—this decision is increasingly relevant as the aging demographic grows faster than any other age group.

Understanding In-Home Care: What It Is and What to Expect

In-home care provides non-medical assistance in the comfort of a person’s own home. This personalized support allows seniors and those with disabilities to maintain their independence while receiving the exact level of care they need. At Advanced Care, we believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity in familiar surroundings.

Services Typically Included in In-Home Care

• Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting
• Medication management: Reminders and monitoring to ensure medications are taken correctly
• Meal preparation: Nutritious meals prepared according to dietary needs and preferences
• Companionship: Meaningful social interaction and emotional support
• Light housekeeping: Maintaining a clean, safe living environment
• Mobility support: Assistance with walking, transfers, and positioning
• Transportation: Rides to appointments, shopping, and social events
• Cognitive stimulation: Activities to maintain mental acuity and engagement

Unlike home health care, which involves skilled nursing and costs a median of $5,720 per month in Wisconsin, in-home care focuses on non-medical support and has a median cost of $5,529 per month—higher than the national averages of $5,148 and $4,957, respectively.

At Advanced Care, we tailor every care plan to match your loved one’s unique needs and preferences—ensuring safety, comfort, and the ability to maintain familiar routines in the place they call home.

Recognizing When It’s Time: Key Signs In-Home Care May Be Needed

It’s not always obvious when additional support at home becomes necessary. Many families struggle to determine the right time to seek help, often waiting until a crisis occurs. Being proactive and recognizing early warning signs can help avoid emergency situations and provide a smoother transition to care.

Here are several evidence-based indicators that might suggest it’s time to explore in-home care options:

1. Difficulty with Daily Activities

When your loved one begins struggling with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals, it’s a significant indicator that support may be needed. According to Brookings, over half of people turning 65 will develop a disability requiring assistance with ADLs, with one in three needing help for two years or more.

These challenges often develop gradually, making them easy to miss. You might notice:

• Unwashed dishes piling up
• Wearing the same clothes repeatedly
• Declining personal hygiene
• Empty refrigerator or expired food
• Missed meals or significant weight loss

2. Increased Fall Risk or Mobility Issues

Falls represent one of the most serious health risks for seniors, with potentially devastating consequences. Research shows that older adults who experience a fall face higher long-term health costs and increased morbidity. A single fall can initiate a downward health spiral that’s difficult to reverse.

Warning signs include:

• Unsteady gait or difficulty getting up from chairs
• Recent falls or near-falls
• Bruises or injuries they can’t explain
• Reluctance to move around the home
• Cluttered walking paths or tripping hazards in the home

3. Cognitive Changes or Memory Concerns

Memory issues can significantly impact safety and quality of life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three older Americans dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, with nearly 7 million currently affected nationwide—a number projected to rise to 13 million by 2050.

Look for signs such as:

• Confusion about time or place
• Missed appointments or bill payments
• Difficulty following conversations or instructions
• Misplacing items frequently
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Poor judgment or unsafe decision-making

4. Medication Management Problems

Proper medication management is crucial for maintaining health and preventing complications. Studies indicate that five out of six individuals aged 65 and older take at least one medication, and nearly half take three or more, increasing the risk of errors that contribute to nearly 1 in 20 hospital admissions.

Warning signs include:

• Confusion about medication schedules or dosages
• Pills mixed together or disorganized
• Medications not being refilled on time
• Taking too much or too little medication
• Worsening of chronic conditions due to medication mismanagement

5. Social Isolation and Loneliness

Social connection remains vital throughout life, with isolation posing serious health risks. While Wisconsin offers many amenities for retirement-aged residents, isolation remains a significant concern, especially as family caregivers are often employed full-time or live far away.

Signs of problematic isolation include:

• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
• Declining invitations or avoiding social contact
• Expressing feelings of loneliness or abandonment
• Changes in mood, such as increased depression or anxiety
• Lack of interest in self-care or environment

6. Recent Hospitalization or Health Changes

The transition period following a hospital stay is particularly vulnerable for seniors. With approximately 15 million seniors hospitalized annually in the U.S., and 40 million hospital discharges yearly, post-hospital care needs are common and often require additional support at home.

Consider in-home care if your loved one:

• Has recently been discharged from the hospital
• Is managing a new diagnosis or treatment plan
• Shows declining ability to manage chronic conditions
• Needs help with new medical equipment or procedures
• Requires assistance with post-surgical care or rehabilitation

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, it may be time to consider supportive care at home. Advanced Care offers free consultations to help assess your loved one’s specific situation and needs.

The Advantages of In-Home Care: Why Many Families Choose This Option

When exploring care options, many families find that in-home care offers significant advantages over other alternatives like assisted living or nursing homes. These benefits are supported by research and client experiences:

1. The Comfort and Security of Familiar Surroundings

There’s no place like home. A study found that 88% of Americans prefer receiving long-term care at home, where familiar environments promote emotional well-being and preserve a sense of independence. Remaining in one’s own home can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety associated with relocation
• Maintain important connections to neighbors and community
• Preserve cherished routines and daily habits
• Allow continued care of beloved pets
• Support overall mental health and cognitive function

2. Truly Personalized, One-on-One Attention

Unlike nursing homes costing $9,022 per month or assisted living at $4,600 per month in Wisconsin, our caregivers provide dedicated one-on-one support, adapting to changing needs without institutional constraints.

This personalized approach means:

• Care plans tailored to individual preferences and needs
• Adjustable scheduling based on when help is most needed
• Continuity of care with familiar caregivers
• Immediate attention rather than waiting for staff availability
• Services that evolve as needs change over time

3. Enhanced Quality of Life and Well-Being

In-home care isn’t just about meeting basic needs—it’s about improving overall quality of life. Research demonstrates that home-based care can lead to a 20% improvement in symptom management for chronic conditions and significantly better outcomes for many health metrics.

Quality of life improvements include:

• Maintained dignity and independence
• Reduced stress for both seniors and family members
• Prevention of hospital readmissions
• Better management of chronic conditions
• Improved nutrition and medication compliance
• Enhanced mental health and cognitive stimulation

4. Cost-Effective Compared to Institutional Options

Financial considerations play an important role in care decisions. At $5,529 per month, in-home care in Wisconsin saves approximately $3,500 monthly compared to nursing homes and $1,000 compared to assisted living, with adult day care at $1,723 being the most affordable option.

Cost advantages of in-home care include:

• Flexible care hours based on actual needs
• No paying for unnecessary services
• Ability to combine family care with professional support
• Potential for insurance coverage for certain services
• Preservation of home equity and assets
• Regional cost variations to consider (Milwaukee at $5,073 monthly and Racine at $4,788 for assisted living)

5. Relief for Family Caregivers

Nationwide, unpaid family caregivers—often adult children or spouses—face significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Professional in-home care can provide essential respite while ensuring loved ones receive quality care.

Benefits for family caregivers include:

• Reduced caregiver burnout and stress
• Ability to maintain employment and financial stability
• Improved relationship quality with the care recipient
• Peace of mind knowing professional help is available
• More quality time together rather than just caregiving tasks

Advanced Care provides free consultations and wellness assessments to help you determine the right level of care, a service aligned with Wisconsin’s robust support network for aging in place.

Essential Questions to Ask When Making Your Decision

Making the decision about in-home care requires careful consideration of your loved one’s specific situation. Asking yourself the following questions can help clarify whether in-home care is the appropriate next step:

1. Is my loved one safe when left alone?

Safety is paramount. Consider:

• Has there been a history of falls or near-falls?
• Are there unaddressed hazards in the home?
• Does my loved one remember to turn off appliances?
• Can they respond appropriately in an emergency?
• Do they have difficulty navigating stairs or bathrooms?

Falls and mobility issues contribute to significant health risks, with home modifications like grab bars and improved lighting reducing emergency department visits.

2. Are they managing medications and nutrition properly?

Health maintenance requires:

• Taking the right medications at the right times
• Following dietary restrictions for health conditions
• Preparing nutritious meals regularly
• Maintaining adequate hydration
• Managing refills and doctor’s appointments

Medication errors are a preventable cause of hospital admissions, affecting nearly half of seniors on multiple prescriptions.

3. Are there signs of loneliness or social withdrawal?

Emotional well-being matters. Ask:

• Has their social circle diminished?
• Have they stopped participating in previously enjoyed activities?
• Do they express feelings of isolation or loneliness?
• Have you noticed mood changes like increased irritability or sadness?
• Are they spending most days with little human interaction?

Social isolation significantly impacts mental well-being, a concern in Wisconsin where coastlines and cultural hubs enrich retirement but may not reach all seniors.

4. Would they benefit from regular companionship and assistance?

Consider the positive impact of:

• Having someone to share meals and conversations with
• Assistance with technology to connect with distant family
• Transportation to community events and activities
• Help maintaining hobbies and interests
• Regular mental stimulation and engagement

Home care improves quality of life, with studies showing a 20% improvement in symptom management for chronic conditions.

5. As a family caregiver, are you feeling overwhelmed or burnt out?

Self-assessment is crucial:

• Are you neglecting your own health or needs?
• Is caregiving affecting your work performance?
• Do you feel constantly tired or emotionally drained?
• Has caregiving created tension in other relationships?
• Do you worry constantly about your loved one’s welfare?

Nationwide, unpaid family caregivers face significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, with professional care relieving stress for the 45 million seniors needing support.

Answering “yes” to any of these questions could indicate that in-home care would be a valuable addition to your loved one’s support system.

Why Families Throughout Wisconsin Trust Advanced Care

For over a decade, Advanced Care has helped families across Southeastern Wisconsin—including Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, and beyond—provide high-quality, compassionate care for aging adults and individuals with disabilities.

Our Commitment to Excellence

With a team of over 250 professionals and bilingual caregivers, we offer services 24/7 and work closely with families to adapt care plans as needs change. Our approach is distinguished by:

• Comprehensive screening: All caregivers undergo rigorous background checks, training, and certification
• Personalized matching: We carefully pair clients with caregivers based on needs, personalities, and preferences
• Consistent monitoring: Regular quality checks and care plan reviews ensure service excellence
• Family involvement: We maintain open communication with family members about care progress
• Flexible scheduling: From a few hours weekly to 24/7 care, we adapt to your specific requirements
• Cultural sensitivity: Our diverse team includes bilingual caregivers to serve Wisconsin’s multicultural communities

Serving Communities Throughout Southeastern Wisconsin

We understand the unique needs of Wisconsin seniors and their families. In a region where care costs vary—Milwaukee at $5,073 monthly and Racine at $4,788 for assisted living—our tailored in-home solutions offer competitive value and peace of mind.

Our services align with Wisconsin’s resources like Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), serving counties including:

• Milwaukee County
• Racine County
• Kenosha County
• Waukesha County
• Ozaukee County
• Washington County

Next Steps: Schedule Your Free Consultation

We understand this is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you through every step of the process. If you’re exploring care options for someone you love, let’s talk.

Advanced Care offers free consultations and comprehensive assessments to help you make the best choice for your loved one’s situation. During this consultation, we’ll:

• Listen carefully to understand your unique concerns and needs
• Answer your questions about in-home care services and options
• Provide information about costs and payment options
• Discuss how we can create a personalized care plan
• Outline the process for getting started with care services

There’s no obligation, just compassionate guidance from experienced care professionals who understand the challenges you’re facing.

Call Today for Peace of Mind

Don’t wait for a crisis to occur before exploring your options. Proactive planning ensures you have time to make thoughtful decisions about your loved one’s care.

Contact us today to speak with our team and discover how we can help your loved one stay safe, happy, and independent at home while giving you the peace of mind you deserve.