What happens to a loved one when they can no longer take care of themselves? Should they be placed in an assisted living facility, a board and care, a nursing home or should they be cared for at home — a home that they have probably known for the last 40-50 years, that they have designed, decorated, loved, cared for, and put final touches on to make it comfortable for themselves and their family?

Home care nursing is an arrangement where an elderly person or person recovering from an illness or surgery, is cared for by a nursing caregiver in their home. Home care nursing is an affordable alternative to hospital and convalescent care.

Aging is part of the process of life and it should be the golden years for everyone. By living at home and staying active I believe that people are happier. A person’s home environment is a very important part of their life: familiar surroundings, maybe pets, comfort of their own bed, coming and going as they please, planning their own meals, and many other things that they enjoy at home.

Well trained caregivers can help the individual to continue to enjoy independence at home. Whether it's advanced stages of Alzheimer's, a long-term disability or the natural occurrences of aging, home care nursing can enhance a person's quality of life. To help continue their independence at home, the caregiver will assist with daily activities that may include assisting with shower, dressing, meals, light housekeeping, visiting friends, going to church or synagogue, or meeting a friend at a senior center, movie, dinner or an Adult Day Care Program.

I have been in home care for the past 27 years working in an administrative capacity around the country opening home health agencies that were Medicare certified and personal attendant agencies. Over the years of working in this industry I can honestly say that the life of people receiving home care nursing services was extended by 5-8 years and it was a very loving, caring and compassionate relationship.

No two people are the same and each person has specific needs of their own. Therefore, a home care nursing center’s supervisors, in conjunction with the caregiver, will usually develop a program especially for the patient’s current needs, and as the patient’s needs change, their program can change. Schedules are flexible, with 4, 8, 12 or 24 hour care, one day per week or seven days per week.

Home care nursing can be a great solution for a person who needs assistance but wants to remain in their home.