The aging of our population has become an increasingly important topic —and for good reason. As of 2024, around 17% of the U.S. population is 65 or older, and that number is expected to jump to 22% by 2040. According to a 2024 AARP survey, a significant number of older adults hope to stay in their homes as they age rather than move elsewhere. FLM turned to care expert and ComForCare Home Care owner and operator Neil Anand to discuss this trend and how to navigate it all.
FLM: Can you tell us about ComForCare's mission and how you support the aging population in our community?
Neil Anand: ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of in-home care, helping older adults live independently in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. When working with clients and their families, we take a person-centered, high-touch approach. Everyone's situation is different, which is why we develop personalized care plans and adjust as needed. We can be there for as little as a few hours to round-the-clock care. Most people want to stay at home and age in place if they can. We help them do this, offering assistance with personal care including bathing, grooming and dressing, safety supervision, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation, and much more. We are committed to helping people live their best life possible and also offer special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
FLM: What are some of the most common reasons families seek home care for aging loved ones?
Neil: There are a few big reasons that come up time and time again. First, families notice that their loved ones struggle to manage daily tasks independently, and safety becomes a major concern. Then there's the reality that many families simply can't always be there, especially those in the Sandwich Generation—juggling responsibilities between raising their own kids and caring for aging parents. Also, there is an emotional side to all this as well —loneliness. Many older adults just need some companionship and someone to talk to during the day. That kind of connection can make a huge difference.
FLM: Since this can be an emotional and overwhelming decision - what are some of the first steps families should take when seeking home care for a loved one? What should families look for most when choosing a home care provider?
Neil: Families should initially determine the needs, how much family can help out and where the gaps will be. When researching agencies, it's essential to ensure they're properly accredited and conduct thorough background checks and screenings on their employees. You'll also want to look into how they train their caregivers and whether they offer specialized programs for specific conditions like dementia or Parkinson's. At ComForCare, we begin with a free initial consultation where we meet at the home, discuss options, and tour the space to address any safety considerations and make helpful recommendations.
FLM: How does aging at home benefit older adults compared to other care options like assisted living or nursing facilities?
Neil: Home is a familiar setting and creates feelings of independence. However, we recognize that home may not always be the right option, or it may be time to move. We are happy to make recommendations of trusted partners in community-based living. There are pros and cons to each.
FLM: There is a perception that home care can be costly—what are some of the most accessible financial resources available to help families cover these services?
Neil: I always recommend contacting your local senior center or town social services, which have a lot of information and resources, but there are other options to consider that may not be widely known to families.
One option may be long-term care insurance, which covers personal care services. With LTCI, ComForCare works with all the major companies and takes care of the paperwork and admin so you don't have to. Many people don't realize that once the claim kicks in, you usually stop paying those premiums you've been putting into the policy for years. So now's the time you really start getting the benefits you've paid for—and that support can go a long way. We're here to walk you through the process and help approve the claim.
ComForCare is also credentialed with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veterans and surviving spouses can get the cost of home care covered through 2 main programs through the VA. One is the Aid & Attendance Pension Program. This benefit helps veterans and surviving spouses cover long-term care costs. If the veteran is 65+ and needs help with at least two daily activities (like bathing or dressing), they may qualify. The program adds extra money to their VA pension. Income and asset limits apply, but the rules can be complex, so getting help navigating the process is a good idea.
The Veteran-Directed Care Program offers eligible individuals a budget for approved senior care services rather than a direct increase in pension. With the help of a counselor, veterans manage this budget and choose their own providers. This benefit has no age, asset, or income limits–the veteran must qualify for home and community-based services. We're proud to support our veterans and guide them through the VA process every step of the way.
We are very excited to participate in a new program through Medicare that started this year. GUIDE is a voluntary nationwide Medicare initiative that aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia through a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services to provide relief to family caregivers.
We continue to see more resources to help offset the cost of services. ComForCare always looks into every option.
FLM: What do you wish more families knew about home care and the options available to them?
Neil: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That is why ComForCare works closely with you to develop a plan that fits your loved one's needs and budget. We believe in a front-loaded, high-touch care process and are accessible 24/7 for any questions or concerns.
ComForCare Home Care
1700 Post Rd Suite E5
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 612-8966
ComForCare.com/FairfieldCT