The Hidden Truth About Home Care Services for Seniors: What Families Aren’t Being Told

Jenna Fralick, BScN RN

Why Families Deserve the Whole Story

When most families in Nova Scotia think about home care services for seniors, they imagine a system where help is easily available, affordable, and straightforward. But the reality is far more complicated. Many are left scrambling, fighting waitlists, and piecing together care from inconsistent sources.

The hidden truth? Families aren’t being told the full story. And that silence often leads to burnout, guilt, and premature placement of seniors into long-term care.

This blog challenges the myths, reveals the realities, and explains why education and personalized care solutions matter more than ever.

Myth #1: Public Care Always Covers What Families Need

The Reality of Limited Hours

One of the biggest misconceptions about home care services for seniors is that government-funded programs will provide all the support needed. The truth? Coverage is often limited to a few hours a week — sometimes only for medical tasks, leaving activities of daily living like bathing, meal prep, and housekeeping uncovered (Canadian Institute for Health Information [CIHI], 2023).

This means family caregivers are left filling the gap — often at the expense of their own health. Studies show that over 45% of Canadian caregivers experience high levels of stress, with women aged 55 and above most affected (Rochette et al., 2020).

Myth #2: Home Care Services for Seniors Are Only for Seniors Who Are Very Sick

The Reality of Early Support

Another damaging myth is that families should “wait until things get bad” before considering home care services for seniors. But early support with daily living activities like dressing, housekeeping, or meal preparation can prevent hospitalizations and delays in decline (Health Council of Canada, 2022).

A care plan doesn’t have to mean 24/7 nursing. It can mean scheduled visits, companionship, or light housekeeping that allows seniors to thrive safely at home.

Myth #3: Home Care Services Don’t Support Disabilities

The Reality of Inclusive Care

Too often, families think RWHC “just serves seniors.” But home healthcare services also extend to persons living with disabilities. At our Aging Your Way Expo and in our daily practice, we emphasize that education must include everyone — not just aging parents, but also differently abled adults needing customized in-home care plans.

Families deserve to know that inclusive care exists. Choosing the right partner can mean better quality of life for the whole household.

Myth #4: Private Homecare Is Always Too Expensive

The Reality of Flexible, Customized Care

It’s true that private care has costs, but the myth that it’s always unaffordable creates unnecessary fear. In reality, families can choose from customized in-home care plans that fit both needs and budgets.

Think of the hidden costs of burnout: lost wages, health impacts on the caregiver, and premature institutionalization of loved ones. When families look at the full picture, private homecare often saves more than it costs (Williams & Porter, 2021).

The Education Gap Families Struggle With

Most families don’t make poor decisions out of neglect — they make them because no one has provided clear education. That’s why RWHC positions itself as a partner, not just a provider.

By offering guidance on:

• Scheduled care vs. 24/7 live-in care

• How to choose between different home healthcare companies

• When to bring in private in-home nursing services

• What respite care looks like in practice

  
  

…we help families feel supported instead of abandoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between homecare and nursing care?

Homecare often includes personal care, companionship, light hosuekeeping for seniors and support with daily living activities. Nursing care includes medical tasks provided by a nurse. At RWHC, both can be part of a customized in-home care plan.

2. Do I have to choose between public and private care?

Not at all. Many families combine both to ensure all gaps in care are covered.

Call to Action: Learn About Customized Care Plans

Families don’t need more myths — they need clarity. That’s why RWHC focuses on education-first care solutions.

👉 Explore our Customized In-Home Care Plans to see how flexible support can meet your family’s unique needs.

References

Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2023). Supporting informal caregivers: The backbone of home care. CIHI.

Health Council of Canada. (2022). Homecare in Canada: Addressing unmet needs. HCC.

Rochette, A., Boucher, N., & Gagnon, D. (2020). Caregiver burden and the lack of education in homecare support. Canadian Journal on Aging, 39(4), 512–526.

Williams, A., & Porter, S. (2021). The economics of caregiving: Cost, burden, and the value of early interventions. Canadian Social Work Review, 38(2), 233–249.