In the first episode of the Help Choose Home podcast, Sheila McMackin explains that years ago, when senior loved ones needed care, there were few choices and quality home care was oftentimes not one of them. Nursing homes or family members typically pieced together a plan based on necessity.

At this time, care management and home care were in their infancy. But thanks to dedicated professionals like Ms. McMackin, the industry has exploded. Today, there is a variety of quality home care options for families who are looking for guidance and assistance when choosing the best care for their elderly loved one.

Care managers, according to McMackin, work with families to get a sense of whether in-home care is the best option for their senior loved one. Some individuals may thrive being at home and maintaining a familiar routine. Other individuals may need the social aspects offered at a retirement or assisted living community. A care manager presents various options to the family and helps them find a solution that is best for their senior loved one.

McMackin encourages families who are considering in-home care to choose an agency that participates in the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA). This organization represents more than 2,700 companies that are committed to providing quality home care for seniors.

Listen to the full Help Choose Home podcast with Sheila McMackin here, or by searching for “Help Choose Home” on iTunes, Google, or on any device at https://player.fm/series/help-choose-home.

The Help Choose Home podcast series provides information and resources to help those with a care need learn more about healthcare at home. Podcasts are hosted by Merrily Orsini, Founder/Board Chair of corecubed, a marketing firm dedicated exclusively to helping aging care providers grow their business.  

Help Choose Home is a collaborative effort by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Axxess, and corecubed to educate the public about the many benefits of the in-home care industry, which includes non-medical home care, private duty nursing care, medical home health, hospice, and other in-home health and wellness services.