Do you have an elderly loved one or a disabled family member that lives on their own? If they are no longer able to care for themselves and you do not want to put them in a nursing home, one option to consider is home care.
If you don't know a lot about home care, here are answers to 3 frequently asked questions.
1. How Do I Find Home Care?
If you are looking for a home care provider for your loved one, you will be glad to know that there are many agencies that provide this service. Your loved one's physician might be able to recommend an agency.
Once you have found the agency, you can interview prospective home care providers. You will want the prospective provider to meet with your loved one to ensure it is a good match. Some people who work as home care providers do so independently. You may be able to find someone over the internet or by word of mouth from a friend or family member.
2. What Services Does Home Care Provide?
Home care usually only provides non-medical services. These services include assistance with:
Home care workers also provide much-needed companionship and encouragement. If they have the experience, some providers can also help your loved one with therapies and exercises that they do at home.
3. Is Home Care Covered by Insurance?
Because home care does not usually provide medically necessary services, it is not covered by insurance or by Medicare. The average cost for home care ranges anywhere from $16 to $28 an hour. If your loved one cannot afford this, there are many ways to get financial assistance.
Other ways to pay for this service include a home care loan or long-term care insurance. If your loved one has medical needs, they may be better off with a home health aide. If the services are considered medically necessary and your loved one is homebound, Medicare may cover some of the services.
4. What Are the Benefits of Home Care?
There are many benefits of home care. Besides getting to stay in the comfort of their own home, another major benefit is that your loved one will receive one-on-one care by an experienced home care provider. By staying in their own home, your loved one won't get sick as easily since they won't be exposed to germs and viruses. Your loved one will also receive care that is tailored for their specific needs.