Home care is an option that many people feel bridges the gap between traditional retirement home living and living independently. The term home care represents many social and health services, including ADLs (assistance with essential activities of daily living) and care for terminally or chronically ill patients. These services are usually provided by home care organizations and health agencies.

What Are The Benefits Of Home Care?

Home care allows people to avoid being hospitalized, and at the same time, provides a way for primary caregivers to obtain assistance with certain tasks that they can't perform on their own. The patient remains at home, and the home care giver comes to them. For many people, especially those who are in good health despite certain physical impairments, this may be the best option.

Many caregivers find themselves overwhelmed by the stress and demands of caring for the mental, physical, and medical needs of a senior citizen, in addition to caring for themselves and their families. Economically, home care is sometimes a better option compared to the costs of skilled nursing homes, but this is not always true, and the cost should be wired into the equation along with the overall health and needs of the patient, and should never be the primary deciding factor.

Who Pays For Home Care?

Public and private third party payers, including Medicaid, Medicare, commercial health insurance companies, and the Veterans Administration pay for certain services that home health agencies provide. Any services that these plans do not cover are paid for out of pocket.

What Types Of Services Does Home Care Provide?

Home care agencies provide many medical and non medical services, including nursing care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietician services, social work services, physical therapy, and more.

Personal Care Services: help with daily living activities including grooming, eating, bathing, dressing, etc.

Homemaker Services: Assist with cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, and domestic chores

Adult Day Care: These are facility based programs for seniors who need companionship and monitoring during the day.

Respite Care: A trained professional stays with the patient for a specified period of time to temporarily relieve the primary caregiver of responsibility.

Live-In Care: when a primary caregiver cannot provide the round-the-clock care that a person requires, a live-in caregiver can help with daily living, meal preparation, housekeeping, and many other non-medical services.

Exploring home care options may be the right decision for you if you are in the primary caregiver role.