In some cases, an individual’s private insurance may cover some of the cost of in-home care. This typically applies to people with long-term care insurance, as most long-term care services, including home care, are not covered by regular insurance policies.
Our very own Center for Mature Market Excellence also created a number of free home and car safety guides. They cover everything from talking to your parents about driving to practical ways of enhancing independence in the home. These guides may be a good starting point if your family is not quite ready for a senior living move but is heading in that direction. Read more about Home care here. Take your time so you can minimize the number of moves your loved one will need to make later in life. If you think your loved one may need more care in the future, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) may be your best choice.
When using a registry to find home care for seniors, the process is different from when you use an agency. Finding home care for seniors can also involve using home health care registries, also known as private-duty registries. Although the idea of home care for seniors seems like a safe way to monitor seniors who live alone or need assistance, the reality is, home care can be exhausting for both the senior and the caregiver. You do have a number of options and you’ll do a better job of making an informed choice if you take the time to research and understand what those options are. Consider doing a cost-benefit analysis of the types of care that may best suit your needs. As you brighten your parents’ day, you can monitor their health and mental status and share concerns you have with their professional caregiver.
Assisted living facilities provide a senior living option suitable for older adults who are not capable of living safely on their own, but do not require round-the-clock care. The ultimate decision to add in-home care or move a loved one to senior living rests with your family.
Companion Care Services
Personal care assistance is ideal for seniors who need regular help with their activities of daily living. Personal care assistants can provide a broad range of services, including help bathing and toileting, grocery shopping, and mobility assistance to prevent falls. Many seniors and their families choose home care as a way for the senior to remain in their own home as their needs and abilities change, rather than moving to a residential care community. Home care, combined with any necessary home modifications or assistive technology, can enable seniors to live out their Golden Years in the comfort of their own homes.
Part-time adult day care and home health aide
Some seniors require live-in senior care indefinitely while others only need it for a temporary period of time, such as when recovering from an injury, surgery, or from post-hospitalization Covid-19. Different care options will provide different levels of monitoring and assistance — from basic home health aides to round-the-clock RNs and LPNs. Knowing what kind of services are needed can help narrow down the choices.
You’ll probably have to make some compromises that aren’t easy, but considering them in advance will make it a little easier to make those decisions when you have to. You may also consider options that match your parent’s unique traits and temperament. They enjoy interactions with others and become lonely without regular interaction. Requirements are determined by each state separately, so it’s best to contact the Medicare agency in your state for more specific information. As part of your certification, a doctor or healthcare professional must have had a documented face-to-face encounter with you, and it must be related to the reason you require home care. Depending on your location, home care can be significantly less expensive or much more expensive than the listed costs.
The next step in this guide takes a closer look at home care providers and how to find an appropriate match so you can better assess if at-home assistance may be beneficial for your elderly loved one. When it comes to assessing your dependent’s financial needs, there are a few important questions that must be asked.
Medicaid, the joint federal and state health insurance program for Americans with low incomes and assets, provides broader coverage but only after the person has depleted enough of their savings to qualify. The federal government requires that all states provide certain services; states are free to add others at their discretion. For example, Medicaid will cover home health services and services in a skilled nursing facility.
Evaluate the availability of home care agencies and their services in your area. Explore potential financial assistance programs, government subsidies, or community resources that may be available to help cover senior care expenses. Seek guidance from financial advisors or eldercare professionals if needed. By going through this checklist and having open conversations with your loved one, you’ll gain valuable insights into their specific care needs. This assessment will serve as a foundation for identifying the most suitable senior care option that promotes their well-being, independence, and overall happiness. There are numerous factors to consider, ranging from the specific needs of your loved one to the available options in your area.
