We here at Assisting Hands West Houston understand that sometimes it can become difficult to care for an older family member. While a nursing home remains a common option for care, it’s far from the only one, especially in the West Houston and Katy, Texas areas. In this article, we’ll look at alternatives to nursing homes.
Unfortunately, the question of alternate care facility vs. nursing home doesn’t have any clear-cut answers. Some options aren’t available in your area, so it’s best to narrow down your options before making a choice. This article will help you understand your options better to help you choose an alternative to a nursing home for your loved one.
Home Care
Home care is a popular alternative to a nursing home, as it allows your family member or loved one to stay in a familiar environment. It’s suitable for individuals with strong emotional attachments to their homes without medical conditions requiring constant medical attention. Regular house calls from doctors or nurses can be included in the plan.
While home care has advantages, the home should be modified for safety, such as installing grab bars or ramps. The resident is also more likely to enjoy social interaction with familiar neighbors, friends and loved ones.
Assisting Hands West Houston offers home care to people of any age or condition. Our caregivers provide medication reminders, bath and shower assistance, and basic housekeeping.
Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities are among the best alternatives to nursing homes for dementia patients. Residents usually stay in their own units and have access to common areas like dining halls, gardens and laundry areas. These individuals may require trained nurses and ongoing professional medical assistance but prefer increased independence compared to living in nursing homes.
The care assisted living facilities provide is different from home care services, as supervision is around the clock. Caregivers can also create optimized plans for residents that suit their conditions.
Medicare PACE
Medicare PACE stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This Medicare and Medicaid program lets people stay in their community while helping them maintain their health outside of a nursing home or facility.
Unlike home care, PACE may cover meals, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and even transportation to PACE centers for medical appointments or activities. The health care professionals can also include more services as medically necessary.
While PACE is all-inclusive, the program isn’t available for everyone. You must be at least 55 and live in a state with PACE services.
Medicaid HCBS
Medicaid Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are customized programs that allow people who require assistance with everyday activities to remain in their homes and communities. While similar to PACE in the care offered, HCBS is usually a Medicaid State plan and is available nationwide, though the exact plans and services provided besides mandatory ones vary.
HCBS also has some unique benefits. Some state waivers allow family members to provide care while being paid. Religious patients might also be able to ask clergy or counselors from their religion for help with grief or other spiritual needs.
Compared to nursing homes, Medicaid HCBS tends to be more cost-effective.
Adult Foster Care & Day Care
Adult foster care homes resemble assisted living facilities, but they serve only around six residents and provide a home-like environment. These homes offer meals, transportation services, and some medical care, though not at the level of assisted living facilities. It’s also worth noting that the term “adult foster care” can mean different things in other states, so we’ll go with the definition offered by the Texas Health and Human Services.
Adult foster care homes must be state-approved. Texas only allows three adults, with the exception of family members, to live in the house unless licensed by the state. Additionally, 24-hour supervision is required.
Home Care Through Assisting Hands West Houston
Assisting Hands West Houston employs experienced, expert caregivers who recognize that all clients have different needs. We do our best to help them settle into a new routine and medication while accompanying them to medical appointments.
If you or a loved one need home care in the West Houston or Katy areas, call us at 281.369.5858 or message us using the chat box on the right.
FAQs
What is an alternative to nursing homes for seniors who need care?
Home care is an alternative to nursing homes for seniors requiring care. Residents can enjoy environments and communities familiar to them without much change, which can sometimes offer a better quality of life than a nursing home.
How does home care work?
Residents can stay in their homes while caregivers occasionally come over to provide assistance and companionship. Individuals stay in a familiar environment while receiving regular care, including medical attention.
Where can I find home care in West Houston?
Assisting Hands West Houston has been providing home care services and more in West Houston and Katy, Texas, for over 10 years.
