At-Home Senior Care: A Cautionary Tale May 3, 2024 As we age, navigating the landscape of lifestyle care options can be confusing—and oftentimes overwhelming. But armed with a bit of knowledge and an understanding of what each option has to offer, you can find the living solution that best suits your needs without unnecessary stress. At-Home Care At-home care refers to the provision of personalized support and assistance to individuals within their own homes. While at-home care allows individuals to remain in their current living situation, individuals and their family members must manage services such as grocery shopping, home maintenance, medical appointments and medication management, and care during hours that the at-home care assistant is not available. Examples of at-home care services include: Personal care: Help with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility Household chores: Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, errands, yard work, and other tasks Healthcare: Medication management, wound care, medical equipment assistance, and physical therapy Meal preparation: Menu planning, shopping, cooking meals Transportation: Car service to doctor appointments, grocery stores, and other travel needs Money management: Assistance with bill paying and other financial responsibilities Safety: Upgrading the home with things like guardrails, providing emergency assistance Arranging professional at-home care can be time consuming and burdensome. Whether you hire someone directly or contract with an agency to provide a caregiver, both require extensive research and ongoing management to ensure that the agreed-upon services are available and are provided to your satisfaction. In addition, in-home care often costs more than a senior living community due to the need for multiple service providers, where senior living communities offer all services under one roof. Other factors to consider with at-home care are the legal risks associated with hiring independent contractors. When you live in a senior living community, employee grievances are managed by community leadership, thus deferring the risk from you. At-Home Care: A Cautionary Tale In 2016, Betty White, the famous actress, comedian, producer, and activist, was sued by Anita Maynard, a former live-in employee who worked for White for more than 20 years. Maynard alleged that she was not paid overtime—despite working more than 14 hours a day, six days a week—and was not allowed breaks. The lawsuit primarily relates to labor code requirements regarding minimum wage, overtime hours, and required breaks, but is an important reminder of the challenges inherent in hiring at-home care and the need to have a carefully prepared contract in place. Experience Peace of Mind at The Reserve Collection At The Reserve, indulge in a luxurious and worry-free lifestyle knowing that every detail is tailored to meet your needs. Contact a member of our team to learn more about our senior living communities, or call one of our team members at 855-221-3900.