Home Care Frequently Asked Questions

How to get 24-hour care for the elderly at home?

Assisting Hands Home Care offers live-in and 24-hour home care services designed to support seniors and adults with disabilities who require a caregiver present 24 hours a day. Our live-in caregivers deliver high-quality personal care, assistance, and readiness to respond to any emergencies.

• Live-in Caregivers: For our live-in care program, we assign two caregivers to reside in your loved one’s home. Each caregiver takes shifts, spending 3-4 days in the home before switching their shifts. During their stay, our caregivers provide support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including aid with restroom use, bathing, dressing, in addition to other household tasks like meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation.
• 24-hour home care: For our 24-hour home care services, we offer even more attentive care as one of our dedicated caregivers remains awake and alert within the home. Under this service, we assign 2-3 caregivers who work 8 to 12-hour shifts before rotating with the next caregiver. Your loved ones will receive continuous care, including assistance with ADLs, medication reminders, transportation, meal preparation, and more. Our caregiver can stay in the same room as your loved one during the night, or in a nearby area to provide swift assistance during nighttime and respond to emergencies.

Does insurance cover in-home care for elderly?

Medicare and Medicaid primarily cover medical care, such as in-home nursing services, not non-medical elderly in-home care. The most common option for in-home care is self-pay. However, there are financial programs that can assist you with self-pay.

• Non-profit organization grants for specific conditions: Some non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to seniors with particular ailments. For instance, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides Family Respite Care Grants to help offset the cost of in-home care for families working directly with the organization.
• Self-Pay options through life insurance policies: Seniors with life insurance policies can explore options to convert these policies into cash. Choices include viatical settlements for seniors with less than a two-year life expectancy, life settlements for those expecting to live longer, and life insurance conversions where care services are received instead of cash.
• Self-Pay through Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance, sometimes known as nursing home insurance, can help finance home care. Policyholders pay a monthly premium, typically ranging from $250 to $1000, in exchange for the policy partially or fully covering a senior’s long-term care expenses. However, enrolling in long-term care insurance when in need of care can be challenging, as insurers often reject new, elderly enrollees or those in frail health, and premiums can be exorbitant in rare cases.

Assisting Hand Home Care provides affordable quality in-home care services. Our mission is to help senior citizens and disabled adults maintain independence and enhance quality of life through our tailored in-home care services and support. By offering personalized home care services, we offer your elderly loved ones the comfortability to age in their own homes while upholding their dignity and autonomy.

What kind of assistance is available for seniors?

Our caregivers can provide your senior loved ones with activities of daily living (ADLs) including but not limited to the following areas:

• Accompany on Walks: Our caregivers provide company and support for seniors during daily walks, ensuring their safety and well-being while enjoying outdoor activities.
• Safety/Fall Protection: Seniors receive assistance in minimizing the risk of falls and accidents, with caregivers implementing safety measures and offering support as needed.
• Limited Transportation: Caregivers can assist seniors with limited mobility by providing transportation for essential errands, doctor appointments, or outings.
• Accompany to Doctor Appointments: Seniors can rely on caregivers to accompany them to medical appointments, offering reassurance, and facilitating communication with healthcare providers.
• Bathing: Our caregivers help seniors with bathing, ensuring their hygiene and comfort, and reducing the risk of slips or injuries.
• Bed Making: Seniors receive help with making their beds, maintaining a tidy and comfortable living environment.
• Companionship: Caregivers offer companionship and emotional support, engaging in conversations and activities to combat loneliness and isolation.
• Dressing: Assistance with dressing ensures that seniors can maintain their independence and comfort when getting ready for the day.
• Dusting: Caregivers help seniors with light housekeeping tasks like dusting, creating a clean and healthy living space.
• Full List of Services

What do you do when elderly parent refuses needed care?

When elderly parents refuse needed care, it’s important to approach the situation thoughtfully and consider the following steps:

• Understand Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Recognize the specific daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, that your parent may struggle with due to age-related limitations.
• Start Honest Discussions: Initiate open and empathetic conversations with your elderly loved ones about their needs, concerns, and preferences regarding care and assistance.
• Evaluate Pros and Cons: Together with your parents, assess the advantages and disadvantages of accepting care, considering their desire for independence and safety.
• Enlist Outside Support: Seek the assistance of trusted individuals, such as a family physician, religious leaders, or influential relatives, to help mediate the conversation and provide additional perspectives. In some cases, consult with an elder care lawyer to explore legal options and ensure your parent’s best interests are protected.

Assisting Hands Home Care offers a free in-home consultation. Our home care professionals will visit your home, get to know your elderly loved ones and facilitate the conversations about home care services and support.

How do you screen caregivers?

To ensure the quality and safety of our caregivers, we implement a thorough screening process at Assisting Hands in Bourbonnais, IL:

• Background Check: Prior to employment, all caregivers must undergo a comprehensive background check to verify their suitability and trustworthiness.
• Additional Training: Our caregivers are required to complete additional training, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.
• Compassion and Respect: Our caregivers are not only committed to delivering top-notch care but also to treating your loved ones with utmost compassion and respect. They prioritize building a personal and meaningful relationship with those they care for.
• Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: To ensure your peace of mind and protection, our caregivers are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, providing an added layer of security for you and your family.

Do you have a minimum number of shifts?

No, Assisting Hands Home Care The Villages does not require a minimum number of shifts. We understand that every client has unique care needs, and we strive to provide flexible, personalized care plans that fit your schedule. Whether you need assistance for just a few hours, occasional visits, or 24/7 care, our caregivers are here to provide compassionate and professional support. Our goal is to ensure that you or your loved one receives the care they need when they need it, without unnecessary commitments.