Expectations for Senior Home Care
The concept of senior home care has gained more national attention in recent years as America’s population grows older. By 2050 the senior population is expected to double to a total of nearly 80 million. Because of that there are many services that aim to help people age independently. Home care does exactly that, increase independence and confidence of seniors in the comfort of their own homes. Continue reading to learn about the expectations for senior home care.
What are the types of Senior Home Care?
There are different ways in which your loved one can receive care in their home. The type of care required depends on their present needs. Likely, as your loved one ages they will receive a variety of the different types of home care available.
Non-Medical Home Care
This type of home care is the most common and least expensive when paying privately. This covers activities of daily living that are non-medical in nature such as cooking, cleaning, transportation, and more. If you are uncertain what services non-medical senior caregivers can provide, check out our blog on the topic here.
How do I pay for this service?
There are a variety of ways to pay for non-medical home care, but the most common is out of pocket. Non-medical home care traditionally costs around $25 per hour if you are dealing with an agency. However, paying a caregiver privately you will likely pay only $12 per hour. Additionally, there are programs that help to cover the cost of non-medical home care provided through an agency. The Veterans’ Association, Medicaid programs, and long-term care insurance policies will all cover either a portion or the entirety of your in home care needs.
Medical Home Care
This variety of home care is typically only provided short term after hospitalization or a major surgery. Typically, the duration of this care is 6 weeks or less. The people providing this care are always either licensed nurses or therapists. They will help your loved one with tube feedings, I.V. administration, training family members to take over the medical care, and specialized therapy.
How do I pay for this service?
Medical home care is typically paid for at least partly, but often entirely by insurance as per the recommendation of your hospital or doctor. You should always consult with an insurance provider before arranging care. You can expect to pay an individual around $45-$55 per hour depending on the care needed when paying out of pocket.
In Home Hospice Care
If your loved one is nearing the end of their life and need specialized care to manage pain in their home, you can utilize hospice. The duration of hospice care typically does not exceed 6 weeks. Those who work with hospice are licensed professional nurses who are specially trained to facilitate end of life care.
How do I pay for this service?
Hospice is always paid for through insurance either partly or entirely. Hospice care is only available through the recommendation of a physician.You should always consult with an insurance provider before arranging hospice care.
Is Senior Home Care Right for My Loved One?
If your loved one is in the majority, they will want to age in place. In fact, a 2012 survey of seniors by the AARP reported that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes
If your loved one is independent but needs help with safety or general activities of daily living they are a perfect candidate for in home care. To better get an idea of your loved one’s status perform your own informal assessment at home.
When is the Right Time To Start Senior Home Care?
We recommend evaluating your aging loved ones at 75 and noting their health for a base line. Utilize our assessment tool to establish what is within your aging parent’s ability and what is not. If you notice a sharp decline in their ability to function independently, it is wise to seek out home care intervention. Additionally, if your loved one is recovering from surgery or a major illness, having a caregiver for assistance can greatly increase the success of their rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, many people start senior home care for their aging loved one after it is too late to fully benefit them. If you introduce home care early, it can help foster independence at home. Your loved one can thrive with senior home care, as early intervention has been shown to cut hospital re admittance for the duration of a senior’s life.
Are You Ready To Start Searching For Senior Home Care?
Finding care for an aging loved one is an incredibly personal journey. You will realize along the way that finding the right fit can be a tiring process. If you are ready to begin your senior home care journey, make sure that you are taking the right course of action. Begin your search for care early and take your time to truly vet your options.
If you have any questions about expectations of senior home care, contact us today. We are happy to help!