SYNERGY HomeCare Blog

Opting for in-home care over assisted living and rehabilitation facilities is a growing trend that shows no sign of slowing down. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that home health and personal care aid jobs will grow 34% from 2019 to 2029, a growth rate they classify as “much faster than other occupations.” And as more seniors choose home care over assisted living facilities due to COVID-19, there’s a good chance this industry will grow even more quickly than predicted.

A 2020 report conducted by the AARP and the National Alliance on Caregiving found that the number of family caregivers has climbed from 18% of adults in 2015 to more than 21% in 2020. And 36% of these caregivers say their situation is “highly stressful.” If this stress is not addressed, it can affect physical, mental and emotional health. Learn the signs of family caregiver burnout.

When you think about where you want to live as you grow older, what comes to mind? If you’re like most adults, you probably imagine staying in your own home. In fact, 3 out of 4 adults ages 50 and older report they want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, according to a recent AARP survey. And for good reason. “Aging in place,” or safely growing older in your own home rather than in an assisted living facility has many benefits that contribute to the overall quality of life. To name a few, aging at home:

Sometimes an aging parent will recognize their need for help and ask for it. But more often, they don’t ask. Some do not speak up out of fear they will be pressured to give up their independence and move to an assisted living facility. Or they may worry that they will be a burden to family members. Sometimes they don’t even realize that they need help. Learn the signs that they need help before it's too late.