Home Health Care for Elders
This Is About Your Care
Or the Care of A Loved One
It's Important To Be Informed
Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 02.25.09
"Home Care" and "Home Health Care" Are Different
The term "Home Care" describes a collection of services available to older adults who prefer to remain independent and stay at home but whose families and friends cannot easily provide care. These services include assistance with the activities of everyday life such as chores and housecleaning services.
"Home Health Care" is more medically oriented and is usually provided by licensed professional including nurses, home health aides, and therapists. Home health care usually involves helping someone recover from an illness or injury.
Paying for Home Health Care
The costs for home health care vary from community to community. In addition, costs differ for different health care professionals. It's important to understand the costs from the very beginning. Funding sources can be Medicare (or Medicaid), private insurance, the Veterans Administration, or local Aging Services. Each funding source can have different requirements and limitations. Ask questions, ask for written information, keep a notebook!
What To Ask the Home Health Care Agency In the Beginning
A legitimate agency will be happy to answer your questions. During the process, you should experience patience and kindness. The US Administration on Aging suggests twenty questions to ask. >> Go to 20 Questions to ask
How to Talk to Your Parents About Needing Care
How To Prepare For A Home Health Care Aid
It's definitely worthwhile to spend a little time preparing for the person who will be doing the work. Understanding from the very beginning what will (or will not) be done during the daily routine can save difficulties and disappointments later on. Also, there are some specific things that are helpful for the health care provider to know. >> More
A Change In Your Way Of Doing Things
Remember that home health care means a change in your way of doing things. Another person will be present in your home and often may be in areas where you cannot see exactly what he or she is doing. You will have to adapt if you wish to remain in your own home.
It will be hard at first, but many have accepted this change, and you can too!
