Should your loved one age in place at home or move to an assisted living facility? What care options are available in your community? What does Medicare cover when it comes to home care? These are just a few of the many questions people just like you ask every day when trying to help a loved one plan for his or her long-term care. To help your family make informed decisions when planning care, Independence-4-Seniors has defined the following care options:
In-home care: Home care is individualized assistance in either the frail person’s or a family member’s home. Care can be non skilled, like companion-housekeeper assistance, or, depending on state licensure, can be a CNA or a nurse. The care is usually paid out of pocket, through long term care insurance or by Medicaid.
Medicare home health: It is generally called “Home Health Care” and is a term used to refer to Medicare certified agencies that provide services which are paid for by Medicare. Medicare does not, and was never intended to provide, long term in home care. It is “reimbursement driven”, meaning that the patient has to fit into a specific category for which care is reimbursed by Medicare.
Adult day care: This is a planned program of activities designed to promote wellbeing though social and health-related services. Adult day care centers operate during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, in a safe, supportive, cheerful environment. Nutritious meals that accommodate special diets are typically included, along with an afternoon snack.
Assisted living: This is for those needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but wishing to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
Retirement home: A retirement center/congregate care facility is a large group real estate development offering variable non medical and medically assisted lifestyle packages.
Knowing all the options available can help your family make the right decision regarding care needs. For more help and/or information about in-home care, contact the caregiving team at Independence-4-Seniors. We're always happy to help families plan for long-term care.