As we get older, the little tasks that once felt simple can start to take more time and energy. Maybe your daily routine is getting a little harder, or as an adult child, you find yourself stepping in more often to make sure everything at home feels safe.
At first, the changes feel manageable. But over time, they can add up. Routines become harder to maintain. Falls or medication mix-ups become real concerns. And the question many families quietly wrestle with starts to surface:
Is it time to bring in help at home?
That’s why we asked Nicole Codianna, Intake Coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Independence at Home, to explain how hourly and live-in caregivers can help you or a loved one stay independent at home.
Here are four ways an extra hand around the house can make a meaningful difference.
1. Help with daily live in tasks
Difficulty with everyday activities is often one of the first signs that extra support may be helpful.
Care at home can include assistance with:
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping, laundry
- Medication reminders
- Bathing
- Getting dressed.
For some families, that might mean a caregiver visiting for a few hours a day or a few days a week. And for others, it could mean live-in support.
For example, a caregiver might visit in the morning to assist with bathing and breakfast or provide overnight supervision after a hospital stay.
“Needing help with daily tasks doesn’t mean someone can’t remain independent,” Codianna says. “It means they may benefit from support that keeps them safe and comfortable in their own home.”
> Related: 9 Signs You (or Mom) Could Benefit From Assisted Living
2. Provide added safety and supervision
Falls, missed medications and confusion can happen quietly, especially for someone living alone.
Hourly caregivers can provide supervision during higher-risk times of day. Live-in caregivers offer more continuous support when safety concerns are ongoing.
“Safety is one of the biggest reasons families reach out,” Codianna says. “Whether it’s a few hours of support or live-in care, having someone there can reduce risk and give families reassurance.”
Even one close call can be a sign that it may be time to explore additional support.
Want a Weekly Dose of Health News?
3. Offer consistency and companionship
Care at home isn’t just about physical tasks. It’s also about connection.
A caregiver can provide companionship and conversation, while helping to maintain daily routines. That could mean sharing meals, going for walks or just being present.
“Isolation can impact both emotional and physical health,” Codianna says. “Having consistent support, whether hourly or live-in, can make a meaningful difference.”
For many older adults, that regular interaction improves overall quality of life.
> Related: 5 Ways to Talk to a Loved One About Dementia
4. Support family caregivers, too
Caregiving responsibilities often grow gradually. What starts as helping with errands can turn into managing medications, appointments and safety concerns.
Bringing in support, even part time, can relieve pressure and prevent burnout. For families facing more complex or round-the-clock needs, live-in care may offer additional peace of mind.
“Burnout is something we see often in caregivers,” Codianna says. “Support at home allows families to focus on being a daughter or son again, instead of carrying everything alone.”
That shift can be just as important as the care provided.
> Related: Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Here’s How to Decide
Here’s when it may be time to consider extra help at home
If your parent is experiencing frequent falls, worsening confusion, difficulty managing daily tasks or has recently been hospitalized, it may be time to explore care options.
Support at home does not have to be all or nothing. It can begin with a few hours a week and expand if needed.
Sometimes, bringing in the right level of help allows your parent to stay right where they want to be — at home.
If you’re unsure what level of support may be right for your family, starting with a conversation can help you explore options without pressure or commitment.
