Presentation Transcript
Home Care Overview :Home Care Overview What You Need to Know About Home Care
About Home Care :About Home Care Seniors choosing care at home
Not choosing to live in a senior living community
Non-medical services, providing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Different from home health care, which consists of skilled nursing services
Activities of Daily Living :Activities of Daily Living Bathing
Dressing
Hygiene (brushing hair, brushing teeth, denture care, etc.)
Toileting (including hygiene, use of incontinence products)
Transferring (moving from bed to chair, walker to toilet, etc.)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living :Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Light house-cleaning and upkeep
Meal preparation
Medication management
Shopping for groceries or clothes
Using the telephone to schedule appointments, etc.
Managing money (balancing a checkbook, paying bills)
Frequency of Home Care Services :Frequency of Home Care Services Varies
Level of independence senior is able to maintain while ensuring basic needs are met
May only need assistance with IADLs
May need daily supervision of all ADLs for safety
Frequency for Specific Services :Frequency for Specific Services Medication management
Correct dosage and timing for medications taken several times each day
Meal preparation can be provided at the same time
For some, spouse is primary caregiver – home care services are intermittent break in responsibilities
Home Care is Flexible :Home Care is Flexible Short-term or long-term
Often after a medical crisis, e.g. stroke or fall
Temporary assistance while individual gains strength, mobility
Long-term basis – daytime care while caregiver works
Home Care Costs :Home Care Costs Needs determined by an assessment, normally in the home (location may vary)
Determines frequency of care, estimated expense based on hourly rate
Many have 4-hour minimum per day
Average hourly rate: $18 in 2008
Round-the-clock or overnight care: $150-$375
Insurance Coverage :Insurance Coverage Medicare does not cover home care
Medicaid does cover some home care
Most agencies do not accept Medicaid
Private pay usually necessary
Veteran’s Aid and Assistance benefits
http://www.veteranaid.org
Choosing a Home Care Provider :Choosing a Home Care Provider Reputable agency: licensed, bonded, and insured
Independent advertisers may not have qualifications
Agency employees have state and/or nationwide background checks and formal training
All Senior Homes :All Senior Homes All Senior Homes is a resource for seniors and families searching for housing and care services
Visit http://www.allseniorhomes.com for more information on senior housing
Information in this presentation provided by Sara Shelton, gerontologist, for AllSeniorHomes.com