Private care offers many seniors a chance to stay in their homes, but those seniors, and their caregivers, may not be aware of all the services it can provide.

Dana Needham, patient care coordinator for Liberty Private Care Services, a sister company to Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services, said private care can be a valuable service for many families, especially with the number of older Americans continuing to grow.

“What we typically see are families that have an older adult at home,” she said. “Those clients are unable to stay at home by themselves because of mobility or safety issues, and their caregivers just need a little help.”

Unlike many other health care services, a doctor’s referral is not needed for private care. Families can call directly and set up private care themselves. Private care services can be just a few hours a week, or they can be for several hours at a time. Liberty private care staff can provide assistance with daily living activities, including help with bathing and housekeeping, as well as preparing meals.

Needham said Liberty private care personnel will assess every situation and determine the best plan for each family.

“We can provide care 24/7 or if the family takes shifts, then we can help by covering a shift for them,” she said. “With private care, you have a lot of flexibility and different options.”

Liberty currently offers private care services in Pinehurst, Greensboro, Wilmington and surrounding areas of North Carolina.

“The main thing we are doing is trying to help people stay in their homes as long as possible,” Needham said. “These are things that a family member can often do, but they may have to work so they need a little help.”