In Home Care for the Elderly

Home Caregiver Playing Cards

As the general population ages, the need for in home care for the elderly has grown with it. In some cases Medicaid may cover the services provided.

The Caregiver Role

As people age, it becomes more difficult for them to live alone. However, given the choice, most people prefer to stay in their own home if at all possible. Elderly people want to surround themselves with memories and with the familiarity of their own belongings and routines. Staying in their own home gives them a sense of independence.

Problems arise when elderly individuals are no longer able to safely live on their own, but are healthy enough to be home rather than in a nursing facility. For example, during the early stages of dementia, which, for example, includes poor memory, a kitchen fire or other home accident could occur. Despite this risk, with supervision from an in-home attendant, an elderly person with these concerns can live a more satisfying life safely at home. Such situations are stressful for the entire family, as the need for a caregiver becomes evident.

The role of caregiver can be overwhelming, but you do have options for in-home care that can make the transition easier on everyone involved. Employing the services of a part-time professional caregiver can ease the stress on a family caregiver by providing time to take care of errands like grocery shopping, as well as providing a mental reprieve from the demands that caregiving inevitably places on a relationship. Even an hour away to have lunch with friends can make a big difference.

What Is Home Care?

The definition of home care for the elderly encompasses a broad spectrum of services. It may include a short-term companion to assist an elderly loved one while they recuperate from surgery, or may be a long-term live-in situation for someone who has no guardian and needs help with day-to-day living. In many cases, these people would be candidates for a nursing home, but they want to stay in their own home instead.

Non-Medical In Home Care for the Elderly

Non-medical in home care for the elderly is often called "companion care" and includes help for the elderly with chores and day-to-day activities. This may include:

  • Help preparing meals
  • Help getting dressed and bathing
  • Help getting around the house
  • Light housekeeping chores
  • Reminders to take medication
  • Providing transportation to and from doctors' appointments

It is important to note that Medicare and Medicaid don't cover "companion care." In some cases, long-term care insurance will pay for this non-medical in-home care, but you will have to check with your insurance provider for specifics on your policy.

Recuperative Care

Recuperative home care offers many of the same services as non-medical home care, such as cooking, cleaning, and helping the elderly patient with getting dressed and bathing. In addition to this type of help, recuperative care also involves visits by a registered nurse who will monitor treatments as the patient recuperates.

Ongoing Care

Ongoing in-home care often includes nursing and medical services along with the day-to-day help with things like hygiene, dressing, making meals and running errands. If you use a professional caregiveer organization that specializes in home health care, they will be able to coordinate services to meet your specific needs.

Expense of Home Care

The expense for elderly care is a concern for many, whether it takes place in the home or in a facility such as a nursing home or assisted living complex. Medicaid pays for some in-home care in most states, but rules differ from one state to the next. Ask about the optional PACE benefit available to older people under Medicare and Medicaid to see if that might be an option for your particular set of circumstances.

Medicaid recipients who are on a Managed Care Program may also be eligible for benefits related to home care, but a special waiver might be required. If your request is denied, you do have the right to know why, as well as the right to appeal.

Despite the costs of in-home care, for many seniors and their immediate family members and friends, caregivers who come to the home can provide important help in many domains, lessening the responsibilities of all parties involved.