Home Care 101
What is Home Health Care?
When a family member has to go through a serious health condition, the last thing you want is for them to be alone. If you’re looking for an option that can help your loved one stay connected with their friends and family while they get the care they need, home healthcare agencies provide an alternative option. Home Health care refers to medical care provided in a person’s home. Essentially a qualified professional such as an LPN, CNA, HHA, nurse comes to a person’s home to provide a wide range of care such as assistance with daily activities, nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other types of medical treatment and support. Depending on the level of care needed an aide may work a few hours a day or live in the home of the individual to provide 24-hour care.
Who is Home Care For?
Home health care is often provided to individuals who are recovering from an illness or injury, or who have chronic health conditions that require ongoing management. The goal of home health care is to help individuals maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home, while preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions. Receiving care at home is increasingly becoming an alternative to traditional forms of care such as staying at a nursing home or medical facility. Often this alternative is more cost-effective, and just as effective as care provided in medical facilities. Knowing if home care is needed can be a critical decision. Consider home care for your loved one if :
They experience difficulty with everyday activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning
If they require help with taking their medication
If your family members experience challenges when providing care
If your loved one needs companionship and social engagement daily
Finding the right caregiver
Ensuring that your elderly parent or loved one has the right caregiver who is well trained in this field is crucial. When looking for caregivers consider the following factors
What is the reputation of the agency they work for? Be sure to go with a licensed agency that can provide the specialized care your elderly relative might need. Taking a look at Google or Yelp reviews can help as well as getting referrals from friends, family and doctors.
How many years of experience do they have?
Do they seem to get along well with your loved one and family members?
Paying for the Care you need
People are living longer these days and as medical costs in America continue to rise in America, you’ll want to ensure that your decision to receive in-home care will be financially possible. You’ll need a doctor’s referral before services can be performed. Once you have a referral, the next thing you’ll do is interview different agencies and facilities. Ask questions such as:
What will my payment options be?
What kind of services will they provide?
How do they customize their care for my needs?
Most people are eligible for assistance with paying through medicare, so you’ll want to contact medicare or medicaid to ensure that you are able to receive the financial assistance needed.
Conclusion
We know how difficult it can be to find the right home health care for your loved one, but we also know that there is a great solution out there for everyone. So be sure to do your research and go with the best home care agency in your area for your needs.