In Home Health Care – What Are My Options?
Posted on 08. Jul, 2010 by Aaron Yeagle in Articles, In-Home Care
As the healthcare industry evolves, so do the individual pieces that make the whole pie. In home health care is no exception to this rule and if you are not educated about the different kinds of elder care programs, in home care agencies, and other provider options, you could be missing a lot.
The many in home health care options can be broken down into 2 major categories: In home care and home health. Each have a variety of options under its own umbrella, so let’s visit some of the details for in home care (this week) and home health (next week).
In Home Care
In general, an in home care provider will assist with normal activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, incontinent care, personal grooming and hygiene, and ambulatory assistance. An in home care provider may also offer laundry, errands and light housekeeping services, and companionship.
In home care providers are generally called caregivers, companions, homemakers, or home health aides (for the sake of this article, and to avoid being redundant, we will call them caregivers). Caregivers may or may not have completed formal training, obtained licensure, or have had background checks done. These are important factors to consider when receiving in home care services.
Caregivers are generally employed by an in home care agency, other healthcare companies who offer in home care as a service, or are privately employed. Each category of provider has its own policies on how to interview, screen, hire, and train caregivers. A client and/or family’s decision to choose the right provider is sometimes made difficult by the variety of options, which is why it is important to do your research.
Payment for in home care is typically straight forward. Much of the time in home care is paid for privately, either by the client or a family member. Also, some long term care insurance plans have in home care benefits. While it is up to each individual to know his or her own plans, in home care agencies who have the experience can help you find that information out. There are also state Medicaid programs assisting individuals who need ADL assistance. Unfortunately, with the current state of our economy, the budgets for these programs are being squeezed similar to many other state-funded programs.
Please stay tuned as I will cover home health next week.
One Response to “In Home Health Care – What Are My Options?”