Home care is a cost-effective option for many people. It can be financed through private payment, long term care insurance or Medicare.
It’s important to understand all of the options available when determining what type of care is right for you or your loved one. Embarking on this financial journey might feel overwhelming, but with diligence and guidance from experts, a feasible plan is within reach.
Companionship
In some cases, family members or friends can provide companionship to an elderly relative. However, a professional companion is often more helpful and provides peace of mind for the family.
Companion caregivers visit clients on a regular basis, although the schedule can vary based on individual needs and preferences. Some families prefer visiting companions to visit weekly or twice a week, while others may benefit from daily visits.
Typically, a home care agency will assess an elderly or disabled adult’s personal needs before matching them with a suitable companion. This is especially important when the care recipient needs additional help with ADLs or IADLs. In addition, home care agencies usually conduct background checks on their staff and provide first aid and CPR training. If a client hires a live-in companion independently, the family should check to ensure the individual meets state and local employment laws.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, eating, using the toilet, and continence are all activities of daily living (ADLs). These tasks are often the first sign that an elderly loved one may require a higher level of care.
Performing ADLs is important because without them, your loved one will be unable to live independently. Performing ADLs well helps maintain independence, improves quality of life, and can even help determine eligibility for long-term care insurance benefits.
Having trouble with IADLs can affect a person’s ability to participate in other activities like eating, driving, shopping, and managing finances. A home evaluation can provide insight into your parent’s ability to manage IADLs, as well as ADLs. This can help you decide if a private caregiver is necessary, and whether an agency or independent contractor should be hired.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation is one of the services available as part of Private Care at home. Providing your loved one with healthy meals can help with their emotional and physical health. For many individuals, it’s difficult to get enough nutrients if they are unable or unwilling to cook. In addition to providing healthy meals, in-home caregivers can offer companionship at meal time.
Caregivers prepare meals based on the meal plan they create with the client, taking into account dietary needs and preferences. They may also go grocery shopping and buy ingredients to prepare meals, as well as make sure food is fresh and within expiration dates. This allows clients to maintain a proper diet and regain a sense of self-reliance, allowing them to enjoy their favourite foods and snacks while maintaining the health they need.
Transportation
When a senior’s medical condition reaches a point that it makes driving unsafe or impossible, the need for a safe transportation solution becomes urgent. Private transport services provide a flexible schedule that works around your itinerary – whether it’s a trip to the local grocery store, a concert at Madison Square Garden, or even an airport pickup for someone flying out to see family and friends.
This type of care can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or a long-term care insurance policy. However, you may also choose to pay for these services out-of-pocket using your existing savings or assets. This is called private pay home care. You will have full control over what services you or your loved one receives through this payment option.
Personal Care
Personal care is an essential component of home health care. Caregivers help patients with a variety of tasks, including medication reminders and bathing or dressing. They can also assist with errands like shopping and laundry.
Home care is typically billed privately or by long-term insurance policies. Visiting care can be scheduled at set times during the day, while live-in home caregivers can stay overnight to offer 24-hour care.
Private pay home care is often more affordable than nursing home care, which must be prescribed by a physician. It’s also a more flexible option, with each contract between the client and caregiver defining exactly what services will be provided. This flexibility makes running a private pay franchise a great option for those interested in starting their own business in the home care industry.