What is In Home Care for Seniors?

What is In-Home Care?

What is In-Home Care?

In-Home Care includes any support services that are professionally provided to someone in their home. These services allow the person receiving them, to continue living in their home safely. This is also known as "aging in place." In-Home Care can provide assistance to seniors who need a little extra help to stay living independently, recover from an illness or injury, and/or is managing a chronic illness. It may be hard for some people to accept they need the extra assistance. They may also feel awkward having someone in their home at first, but it is a great choice if they are set on living in their own home for as long as possible.

Is In-Home Care is Right for Me or My Loved One? senior in home care services

There comes a time when older adults can no longer successfully care for themselves without assistance. Family might not be around or able to help take care of them, so In-Home Care can sound like a great option. There are in-home care options that range from simple tasks such as socialization to full nursing care. If you're wondering when it is the right time to consider in-home care for yourself or a family member here are some signs to look for:

  • Worsening hygiene
  • Increased forgetfulness (with appointments, medications etc.)
  • Decrease in weight (from lack of eating or being able to prepare meals)
  • Neglecting home maintenance (dirty laundry, not cleaning etc.)
  • Depression from feelings of loneliness
  • Increasing amount of injuries and accidents (falls)
  • Decreased mobility (cannot transfer between floor levels, get in and out of the bathtub, get in and out of bed etc.)

There are other instances that a senior could need some in-home care short term, such as recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. 

What are the Types of In-Home Care?

Companionship Services

Companionship services are for those who live independently but do not need very much assistance with their activities of daily living (ADL). Seniors who live alone may feel lonely or isolated and want some company. Companion services help with that by providing someone to come into the home for the purpose of socialization. This time is used for engaging in activities such as going on walks, playing games, or maybe running errands together. 

Transportation is a common issue for senior citizens. If they cannot safely drive themselves around anymore, they will need help with transportation. Being able to use ride share apps and access local trains and buses can help you keep some independence. Your companion can help with providing transportation as well if buses and trains are not an option for you.

Another option for seniors that need some kind of companion service are adult day programs. There are programs available for seniors to go to daily to socialize with people other than their caregivers at home. Utilizing these day programs gives caregivers a break and also allows the senior to engage in meaningful and fun activities.

Personal Care Servicesin home care for seniors

This is the most common type of service provided with In-Home Care, personal care services. Personal care services can range widely in what is offered. Some of these services range from being provided for a couple of hours a day to around the clock care daily.

Personal Care- Personal care is the assistance with activities of daily living. This may include dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, meal preparation, and/or eating assistance. Limited assistance with medication management and reminders or taking blood pressure may be available too.

Maintenance of the Home- Home upkeep and maintenance is another service available. This can include taking care of laundry, shopping for groceries, housekeeping, gardening, and simple handyman repairs. If you're in need of assistance with keeping up with appointments, paying bills or healthcare management, this is an option.

Home modifications- Home modifications are something you may need to help you complete some of these ADLs successfully by yourself. Getting shower rails, a first floor bathroom, or stair chair lift installed to help you transfer between multiple levels in the house will make it easier to perform ADLs.

Home Health Care

Home health care is the most intensive care that can be provided in your home. These services differ from companion and personal care services because the health care aides must be certified to provide medical assistance. Some healthcare services can be provided at home such as occupational therapists, wound care, IV therapy, blood withdrawal, social workers, respiratory therapy, management of chronic conditions (ex. diabetes), or post surgery. Hospice care is another service that can also be provided at home.

What is the Cost and How Can I Pay for This? 

The average cost of in-home care in the United States is approximately $4,200 per month. This number will definitely vary depending on the location and what specific services are going to be provided. While the purpose of in-home care services is to allow the senior to continue living in their own home, if they are in need of long term services, it may be more financially beneficial to move to a senior living facility which will provide more services for a similar cost.

There are many options to consider when paying for in-home care. Private insurance is one option, however it usually applies to long-term care insurance. Coverage varies greatly depending on the insurance provider so make sure you check your policy first. Another option is to check for local financial assistance programs that might be available. Medicaid is the most common option for seniors who qualify. Private funding, reverse mortgage loans, life insurance, aid and attendance benefits, and Medicare are a few other choices to look into when looking for in-home care coverage. 

How Do I Get Started?

If you have determined you or your loved one is ready for in-home care you might be wondering how you get that process started. You'll want to do your homework to make sure you're working with a legitimate company who will provide you with quality services. You can ask your primary care physician or other specialty physicians if they recommend any companies. You can also search for in-home care companies online to find one that sounds like a good fit for you. Once you have chosen a place, contact them directly to find out what requirements they have for you to get started with their services.