In an era where the concept of “aging in place” is gaining traction, in-home care services are emerging as a beacon of hope for many families. For residents of Leesburg and the surrounding areas, these services offer more than just practical assistance—they provide the precious gift of independence and peace of mind for both clients and their loved ones.
Tim Bodor, who operates Homewatch CareGivers of Sterling with his wife Rebecca, understands this sentiment deeply. “The ability to live in your own home as opposed to having to move out or go somewhere to find the care that you need—that’s a gift, a blessing,” Bodor explained. This gift extends beyond the care recipient to those responsible for their well-being: Offering help to family members juggling children and careers while caring for a loved one can also allow the family to spend more relaxed quality time together.
As the U.S. population ages and the cost of care rises due to labor shortages, families are increasingly seeking flexible, personalized care solutions. Homewatch CareGivers, a finalist for the 2024 Small Business Awards sponsored by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, is at the forefront of this evolving landscape, offering a range of services that cater to diverse needs, ages and preferences.
One innovative program is Homewatch Connect, a hybrid model that combines in-person and virtual care. This service addresses both the practical needs of clients and the often-overlooked issue of social isolation. “It's primarily for people who are isolated,” Bodor noted. “That doesn't have to be an older person—it could be a younger person with a chronic illness who is housebound.”
The breadth of services available through agencies like Homewatch CareGivers might surprise many. From post-surgery care and transportation to specialized childcare, these agencies are expanding the traditional boundaries of in-home care—and opening people’s eyes to the services available for a range of client ages and situations. “We offer babysitting, as well,” Bodor said, adding that childcare services account for about 5% to 10% of his agency’s business.
For families considering in-home care for a loved one, navigating the options can be overwhelming. Bodor offers several tips to help in the decision-making process:
Research agency ratings. Bodor refers people to BestOfHomeCare.com, which provides impartial ratings based on client and caregiver satisfaction. “They interview at least 10% of your client base and your caregiver base each month,” Bodor explained. “They get anonymous feedback on client and caregiver satisfaction, and so bestofhomecare.com is where they post those results.” BestOfHomeCare.com named Homewatch CareGivers of Sterling one of North America’s top 100 agencies in 2022 and 2024.
Consider national brands. While there are excellent independent agencies, national brands are often able to provide better, more consistent service, Bodor says. “They have standards that are usually above state requirements,” he said.
Look for flexible options. Seek agencies like Homewatch CareGivers that offer customizable care plans without strict minimum hour requirements, which can mean carers stay longer than needed. That can feel intrusive to some clients. “We have clients that we go to one hour a week for, for bathing,” Bodor said. “It’s possible to have a little assistance without having an intrusive presence in the home.”
Explore innovative solutions. Consider hybrid models like Homewatch Connect that combine in-person and virtual care to address both physical needs and social isolation.
When broaching the subject of care with a resistant family member, Bodor suggests explaining the ways that a custom-tailored care package can aid, rather than limit, independence. “What I tell people is that we're able to provide just the right amount of care they need to allow them to remain independent,” he said.
As the care landscape continues to evolve, in-home care services are playing an increasingly vital role in supporting independence and quality of life for a range of clients, from busy parents to seniors to those living with chronic conditions. By offering tailored solutions that range from minimal assistance to comprehensive care packages developed by Registered Nurses, agencies like Homewatch CareGivers of Sterling are truly giving the gift of choice, dignity and care. With the right support, aging in place is not just a possibility—it's a gift that keeps on giving, fostering independence, peace of mind, and a higher quality of life.
Learn more about Homewatch CareGivers’ services at homewatchcaregivers.com/sterling. They also have a sister office in Chantilly, Va., that serves Middleburg, Aldie, and Stone Springs, Va.
In-home services range from babysitting to post-surgery care to elder care, tailored to a client's specific needs.