When a loved one reaches a point in their golden years where they can’t complete simple day-to-day activities, it’s usually a sign that they may require additional support. Given that it’s the first few stages of degenerated aging, families usually opt to begin the senior care journey by being the prime caretakers for their parents or grandparents. Regardless of the level of care and service options, families would still want to ensure that their loved ones are given the best possible care; although, depending on the preference of families and the state of their loved one’s well-being, some’d prefer having an in-home care service. This article will discuss the purpose of in-home care, different kinds of services, and how much it costs.
Read on to know more.
Purpose of in-home care
In-home care is a solution for families who want to live with their family and grandchildren. Home care is considerably better for those looking for an affordable cost while maintaining a sense of independence in their homes. Home care services can still be on a case-to-case basis in terms of the well-being of the individual. Its services are not necessarily for seniors categorized under skilled nursing or memory care– certain healthcare providers offer specific kinds of care packages. If, in certain circumstances, an individual progressively loses their cognitive function or slowly deteriorates the elderly’s physical mobility, it would be time to relocate to a home that specializes in comprehensive care.
The general purpose of in-home care services is merely for personal preference– in case the family needs to travel for work, and the senior can’t tag along; or, if some prefer to stay close to grandchildren and be part of their growing up; or for those who do not need complete and long-term assistance, thus prefer a short-term period of additional support.
Kinds of services offered in In-home Care
In-home care services are pretty similar to a regular senior living community. Many standard home care services are centered on custodial care of medical needs. The former is essentially any additional support with daily living that does not exclusively require medical attention, focusing only on the general well-being of an individual– again, it still depends on the homecare providers in your area. The latter is more specific to those individuals who require skilled nursing care or memory care supervision and have more exposure to a social setting.
Custodial care services are typically the same services found in independent living and a few assisted living communities, such as:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Housekeeping and transportation services
- Companionship through activities
- Medication administration
Skilled nursing or nursing care services include:
- Post-surgery recovery
- Skilled nursing: IV, occupational, and respiratory therapy
- Medication administration
- Additional support for managing chronic conditions
It’s important to remember that many home care services are not as comprehensive as a typical retirement or senior living home offers. Seniors under in-home care are typically confined within the house but with a few scheduled activities and appointments outside the home.
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Cost of in-home care
The cost of in-home care depends on the city or state policies, but the national cost of service would come out on the average of $1,900 per month or $23 per hour, more or less depending on the number of hours per week. The average cost mentioned is for the 20 hours a week care services– according to Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey.
There are other ways to request financial assistance that help with home care services; just as any tip given to those looking for senior living homes, it’s wiser to use out-of-pocket money to avail of services. However, some families use different modes of payment, such as:
- Medicare
Medicare can cover home care services related to personal care assistance so long as the home services are not medically necessary. This is because Medicare only supports custodial services, which are not similar to skilled nursing services.
- Medicaid
Medicaid does not offer financial assistance for in-home care that are custodial. However, Medicaid assists with home health care where an individual meets the requirements, such as medical and financial eligibility. This includes the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), a program offered in many states that offer Medicaid coverage to those seeking long-term care in their own home.
- Life insurance
By practice, life insurance is accessed after a passing. However, in some specific circumstances, insurance companies allow their senior client to access funds for the long-term in-home care services fee. This case is called the accelerated death benefit provided by the insurance company– check out your or your loved one’s insurance policies and see if they are eligible for the benefit.
- Long-term care insurance
Long-term care is far more memorable than the standard health insurance. This type of care insurance is offered for seniors with specific needs. Seniors can avail long-term care insurance for their in-home services so long as the elderly may need at least 3 ADL assistance.
- Veterans benefits
This type of financial support is offered to veterans who need at least 3 ADL assistance during their long-term care. An individual can receive the veterans benefit care package through the Aid and Attendance pension benefit. You may visit the VA website or personally inquire in the local VA offices if you are a veteran.
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How to Enhance Home Care with Health Monitoring Apps?
Enhancing home care with health monitoring apps is a smart way to keep an eye on health without making everything feel medical or complicated. Here’s how these apps can help:
- Track Vital Signs: Health apps can keep track of important body signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. This means caregivers can see if something’s not right and act fast.
- Medication Reminders: It’s easy to forget medicine times. These apps remind both the caregiver and the person being cared for when it’s time to take medication, making sure no dose is missed.
- Health Records in One Place: Instead of having papers everywhere, these apps can hold all the health info in one spot. This makes it easy to share updates with doctors or family members.
- Personalized Care: By keeping track of health changes over time, caregivers can see what’s working and what’s not. This helps in making care just right for the person’s needs.
- Emergency Alerts: Some apps can send alerts if there’s a sudden health issue. This means help can be called quickly, even if the caregiver isn’t right there.
- Stay Connected: These apps can also help the person getting care stay in touch with their caregiver or family, making them feel safe and supported.
In simple words, health monitoring apps make it easier to keep an eye on health, remember meds, and stay safe at home. This means better care that’s just right for what each person needs.
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Features of Scheduling and Management Apps for Caregivers
Scheduling and management apps for caregivers, especially in in-home care service, are like digital assistants. They help keep everything running smoothly. Here’s how they help:
- Organize Schedules: These apps show caregivers when to give care, like medicine times or bath times. It helps them plan their day around these tasks.
- Task Lists: Caregivers get a clear list of daily tasks. This helps them make sure they do everything needed for the person they’re taking care of.
- Share Updates: The apps let caregivers share quick updates with family members. This keeps the family informed about their loved one’s care and health.
- Set Reminders: They can set reminders for important tasks and appointments. This means nothing important gets missed.
- Plan for the Future: Caregivers can look at their schedules for the coming weeks. This helps them prepare for any special needs or appointments.
- Take Notes: There’s space to write down notes about the person’s health or any changes. This is useful for keeping track of progress or concerns.
- Communicate Easily: Some apps have built-in messaging. This lets caregivers talk directly with family members, making communication quick and simple.
- User-Friendly: These apps are designed to be easy to use, so caregivers can focus more on care and less on figuring out technology.
These apps help make sure that the care given at home is well-planned, consistent, and transparent. They’re great tools for making in-home care better for everyone involved.
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Conclusion
Opting for in-home care services all boils down to personal preference. The main factors to consider when considering an in-house care provider are time, levels of care and supervision, and affordability. The main takeaway from aging at one’s residential place is the closeness of still being with a loved one and a comprehensive dive into companionship and care by the professionals.
