Why do so many older adults just want to be home
Recently, while watching the show Landman, one storyline really stuck with me, not because of the drama or the characters’ decisions, but because of something much simpler.
It was about where someone wants to spend their final years.
Now, I’ll be the first to say this isn’t a show for everyone. It has strong language and some questionable choices from its characters. But one part of the story felt deeply real—and honestly, a little familiar.
Tommy’s dad, Thomas, had been living in a nursing home. His days were structured, scheduled, and managed. Meals came at certain times. Activities were planned. And in many ways, everything was “taken care of.”
But there was one small thing Thomas wanted that he couldn’t seem to get.
He just wanted to sit and watch the sunset.
Instead, someone would come and take him back to his room before it finished.
It’s the Little Things That Matter Most
That moment says a lot.
Because for many older adults, it’s not always about big needs—it’s about small freedoms:
- Watching the sunrise or sunset
- Sitting outside a little longer
- Eating when you’re actually hungry
- Being around familiar voices and laughter
Those small things make a big difference in how someone feels day to day.
And for Thomas, those small things were missing.
When “Care” Doesn’t Feel Like Home
Eventually, Tommy brings his dad home.
Now, it’s not perfect.
Tommy works long hours. His home situation is… unconventional. There are moments that are chaotic, messy, and even risky—like when Thomas falls into the pool and can’t get out on his own.
But there’s something else there, too.
There’s life.
There’s laughter from Angela and Ainsley.
There are shared meals.
There are conversations.
There’s movement, noise, and connection.
And Thomas responds to that.
Because even in the middle of imperfection, he’s surrounded by something he didn’t have before—home.
A Personal Perspective
This part of the story hit close to home for me.
Both of my grandparents spent time in a nursing home, and I saw firsthand how difficult that transition can be.
My grandma, who had Alzheimer’s, struggled the most. She would often ask when someone was coming to take her home. That question came up again and again.
And it’s something many families hear:
“When can I go home?”
It’s not always about the building itself—it’s about what home represents:
- familiarity
- comfort
- identity
- belonging
Why So Many Families Choose In-Home Care
Not every situation allows someone to stay at home full-time. There are times when higher levels of care are needed, and nursing facilities play an important role.
But when it is possible, many families are choosing in-home care for a reason.
Because home care allows for:
- flexibility instead of rigid schedules
- personal routines instead of shared ones
- one-on-one attention instead of divided care
- connection to everyday life instead of separation from it
It allows someone to keep watching the sunset—on their terms.
Care Isn’t Just Tasks—It’s Presence
There’s another moment in the show where Thomas begins doing water therapy—not because he was told to, but because of who was helping him.
It’s a reminder that people are more motivated when they feel:
- seen
- valued
- connected
That’s something we see every day in home care.
Care isn’t just about checking boxes or completing tasks.
It’s about showing up.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about understanding what matters to someone—and making space for it.
Helping People Stay Where They Feel Most Like Themselves
At AmanaCare, this is at the heart of what we do.
We support individuals and families so that, when possible, people can remain in the place they feel most like themselves—home.
That might look like:
- help with meals or bathing
- companionship and conversation
- support with routines
- or simply being there so someone doesn’t feel alone
Because at the end of the day, most people aren’t asking for something complicated.
They’re asking for something simple.
To be comfortable.
To be known.
To be home.
Final Thought
Watching Thomas sit outside, wanting just a little more time to take in the sunset, was a reminder of something we see often:
It’s not always the big things that matter most.
It’s the everyday moments.
And everyone deserves the chance to experience those—in a place that feels like home.
💙 If your loved one wants to stay at home but needs a little extra support, AmanaCare is here to help.
We’re here to help you find the right care for your loved one. Reach out to your local AmanaCare team:
- Eastern Nebraska: Call Alicia at 531-427-1128
- Central Nebraska: Call or text Amber at 308-870-4990
- Western Nebraska: Call Susanna at 531-350-4834
If you’re not sure where to start, contact any of our team members, and we’ll guide you in the right direction.
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