Today, online search engines are filled with questions and answers about home care services. This interest in home care is sparked by the 80+ percent of seniors that would rather age in place. Due to technological advances and the ability to make affordable senior friendly homes, the demand for home care is increasing. In this article, we’ll review frequently asked questions about senior home care.
Who benefits from home care services?
Home care is beneficial for anyone who would like to age at home, but requires assistance with certain tasks. Assistance could be provided 24/7 or just a few hours per day.
What services can home care agencies provide?
As covered on Caring People Inc.’s FAQ page, licensed home health care agencies can provide the following:
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping
- Meal prep
- Bathing assistance and more!
Can medication be administered by a Home Health Aide?
While regulations regarding medication administration is different in each state, most do not allow Home Health Aides to give medication. However, they can provide medication reminders and assist with opening medication bottles.
Is Medicare a payment option for home health care?
Certain criteria have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for home health services. At approved Medicare facilities, services like the ones mentioned below may be covered:
- Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care
- Physical Therapy
- Continuing Occupational Therapy
The home care facility must also be Medicare certified. Inc. is Medicare certified at their Florida locations.
What are other payment methods for home health care?
Many individuals pay for home care services out-of-pocket if Medicare is not an option. Consider obtaining additional funding by seeking:
- A home care loan
- Assistance from a charity or church organization
- Reverse mortgage
- Annuities
- Workers compensation
- Long term care insurance (if home care coverage is offered)
Do I pay Home Health Aides directly?
If you’re working with an agency, then the Home Health Aides will be paid directly by the agency.
How are caregivers selected?
While every agency is different, the best agencies follow a five step screening process to vet their caregivers. Caregivers should:
- Have previous caregiving experience
- A clean background
- Be interviewed several times
- Have their references verified
Delegating home care services requires a lot of trust, so the goal should always be to select individuals that are compassionate, caring, and dependable.
My loved one has Dementia. Can they receive home care services too?
Absolutely! Professional Home care Agencies require that their caregivers become Certified Dementia Professionals first to ensure that their caregivers can appropriately manage the care of someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
Clients with Dementia/Alzheimer’s can benefit from a holistic approach to care such as art therapy, music therapy, yoga, meditation and more.
Is it cheaper to remain home or go to a facility?
Home care is considered one of the most affordable long term care options. While the pricing varies from state to state and is based on what one needs, you’ll find that home care is almost half the cost of nursing home care.
