History of the Home Care Industry: a Summary

The demand for quality home care in Marina del Rey is constantly on the rise. But this is not exactly a recent development in elderly care. Professional home care services have been in high demand among the elderly and their families across the state and across the country for a long time. In fact, it can be said that home care started with visiting nurses well over a century ago. But when exactly did home care start to diversify and the non-health aspect of home care start to evolve?

When did home health care start?

For the vast majority of people in days of yore, except the wealthy and the privileged few, the early development of home health care or nursing care could be traced back to around the turn of the 20th century, possibly even to the late 19th century. Prior to that, it was up to family members to take care of a loved one who fell ill or became bedridden. Our ancestors mostly relied on traditional treatment techniques and seldom sought medical care except in extreme cases and as a last resort.

What led to the growth of home care?

Gradually, various historical and social changes took place. As science and technology developed, the human life expectancy became longer and the standard of living improved significantly. Now that the society has drifted away from the nuclear family and our lives are busier than ever, many members of the elderly population live alone as their next of kin do not have the time to take care of them.

The providers of home care can be divided into two main categories: home health care providers such as home care agencies and hospices and non-certified home care agencies which do not provide skilled nursing care but companionship and assistance with daily living activities.

What does non-health home care include?

Unlike professional home health care services, non-health home care focuses on life assistance services. This includes assistance with Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are self-care activities such as:

• going to the bathroom, 
• maintaining personal hygiene, 
• getting dressed, 
• moving around the house, 
• eating, etc.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are daily tasks and activities that enable the care recipient to live independently as a member of the community, such as:

• cleaning the house and performing other light household chores, 
• making and planning meals, 
• running errands such as shopping or visiting the pharmacy, 
• transportation, 
• going to the doctor’s, 
• taking medication, 
• communication and correspondence, etc.

A higher standard of senior care for your peace of mind

The fast-growing demand for home care in Marina del Rey comes as no surprise: we all want what’s best for our elderly loved ones and no one can deliver like experienced home care providers can. Whether your elderly loved one needs someone to provide companionship at Fisherman’s Village or a person to help them to the bathroom, A Better Way in Home Care might be able to help out. 

The professional caregivers we refer to our clients are compassionate and experienced in this line of work. Together with them, we will look out for the best interest of your elderly loved one. Call now to schedule an appointment and consult with us.