The need for homecare is growing, and so are the number of questions people have about it. According to the AARP, 82% of people said that they would prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible. So it's no wonder that an increasing number of families face the challenge of arranging home health care for loved ones every day.

When you or a loved one needs care, regardless of whether you're looking for senior transportation and peer-level companionship or highly skilled adult home care, there is too much at stake to risk being misinformed.

When it comes to your health or that of a loved one, there is no room for compromise. That's why we're cutting through the noise and de-bunking common myths about home health care.

1. You don't need homecare if you can't meet a 4-hour minimum -  If you need care, whether it's for one hour or 24, you should be able to get what you need. Everyone's situation is unique and different people have different needs. Make sure that you find a provider that recognizes this and has a no-minimum policy.

2. If my family is already helping, there is no need for additional care - People who are emotionally and physically exhausted or guilt-ridden cannot provide good care. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, as a caregiver, you should neither expect-nor try-to be on-call 24 hours a day. Every caregiver needs respite and relief.

3. There are added health risks for receiving medical care at home - No qualified care professional will administer a plan of care in the home unless it is deemed safe and medically sound (check with providers you are evaluating to ensure each care plan is overseen by an RN).

4. If I can't do my own shopping and housework, I just shouldn't do these activities anymore - Everyday tasks, like vacuuming or rearranging the basement, can be tedious for a senior with arthritis. Organizing a closet can be extremely tiring for a cancer patient. They're never ending and, if they become more difficult during post-op, or due to treatment or age-related conditions, they can take precious time away from an already very busy schedule. When even the most basic daily tasks become overwhelming, or you just need a helping hand, a qualified care provider can help you to.

5. Homecare is just for seniors - Home health care is often associated with, but not limited to elder care. Homecare can be a great solution to provide newborn care for new parents with a new baby or even multiples as well as additional support for children and adults enduring chemotherapy, people recovering post-op (from cosmetic procedures to hip replacement surgery) and more. A good home health care solution for your family can be whatever you need it to be.

6. If I get home health care, I have no say in who my caregiver should be - Caregiver compatibility is imperative due to the personal nature of homecare. When you arrange for a care professional to come into your home, you must ensure that you find someone you can trust. Each family should be matched with a caregiver with whom they are comfortable, which is why family members should must identify what they would like in a caregiver and be upfront about this with your homecare provider.

7. I may need homecare, but it is unsafe to invite a stranger into my home - From a security standpoint, if you are dealing with a qualified, reputable agency, you should feel safe in arranging for help in the home. From a medical standpoint, studies show that the home can be a safer than the alternatives and not only because of the one-on-one care. One study indicated that half of infections could be linked directly to hospital care. Another study reported that, given they are seeking the appropriate treatment for their condition, patients with chronic heart disease fare better at home versus the hospital. And, ultimately, remaining home can be less stressful because it is familiar, which can foster a sense of calmness and comfort for patients.

8. I only need help with basic hygiene care, so I don't qualify for homecare - However basic your needs, there should be no limit for a homecare provider to assist you. Be sure to find a home health care agency that can provide the full range of homecare, from basic peer-level companionship and hygiene assistance to highly skilled nursing and therapy.

9. We had an emergency at 3 a.m., but we'll just have to wait until normal business hours to get help at home - When you and your family face an urgent situation, the last thing you want to do is wait around. Read these first time parents' story about finding newborn care at 3 a.m. Find a provider that can provide 24/7 customer service and assistance.

10. Until I know exactly what we need, I don't need in-home care - You don't need to know, that's what qualified homecare professionals are here for. Just make sure any agency you turn to offers R.N. oversight on every case to ensure all of your loved one's needs (from safety, health and everything in between) are accounted for. Take this case from one of our homecare agencies as an example:

An elderly woman who was looking for basic bathing and shopping assistance was found to have been suffering from cellulitis unbeknownst to the woman's daughter and hidden under her sock - all because an R.N. is required to perform an assessment on every case, no matter what kind of assistance is being provided.

What misconceptions about homecare have you seen? Share them now!