Most seniors today prefer to age in place. Living in the comfort and familiarity of a home environment is important to these individuals. A variety of home care services are available to turn seniors’ wishes into reality. Here’s a look at home care services that promote healthy aging.

Remaining at home for as long as possible is desirable to the majority of seniors. Some have an emotional connection to their community and wish to remain there. Others seek to maintain their independence. A few elderly individuals may age in place out of financial necessity.

While aging in place is a priority for most older adults, receiving care at home is impractical for some. For seniors diagnosed with chronic conditions, experience reduced immobility, or suffer from acute injuries, living in a facility that provides continual skilled nursing care promotes their health and safety.

Chronically ill seniors risk their health by living at home without constant supervision and healthcare. Aging adults who have a strong desire to age in place despite their condition can turn to a home care service that offers the services of a home health care aide.

Receiving care at home from a certified home health care aide makes a world of difference. Firstly, seniors have an opportunity to fulfill their wish to remain at home. Secondly, these individuals have access to the skilled care they need to maintain a good quality of life.

Home Health Care

Different types of home care are available to seniors of all ability levels. Home health care is one type of home care that benefits seniors who require medical assistance. A doctor must provide a written order for home health care so that the services may be covered by insurance.

Home health care aides are certified to provide nursing care, such as wound care, infusions, and IV insertion. These professionals also provide physical and occupational therapies when necessary. Home health care may be short-term, ongoing or as needed, such as when recovering from an injury.

Medicare covers intermittent home health care services, such as a maximum of 28 hours per week for up to 21 days. Coverage can be sufficient, since home health care is often used on a short-term basis to treat an illness or support seniors through recovery after an injury.

Medicare only pays for physical therapy when the senior is expected to regain movement and strength within a reasonable time frame after an injury or illness. Similarly, Medicare will pay for occupational and speech therapies in order to restore functionality and the ability to communicate.

Companion Care

Loneliness in the elderly is a public health risk, as the condition can lead to dementia or other serious medical illness. Companion care is the solution to isolated seniors. These caregiving professionals spend time with care recipients, building friendships and supporting the activities of daily living.

Companion caregivers engage seniors by playing games, reading to them, taking them on walks to promote physical health or pursuing hobbies together. While companion caregivers do not provide medical care, they may provide medication reminders and transportation to doctors’ offices.

Medicare does not cover companion care or other types of personal care services. Families can utilize other financial means, such as private pay, reverse mortgage loans, life insurance, private insurance or aid, and attendance benefits, to pay for companion care needs.

Personal Care

Personal care is a form of home care where the caregiver assists seniors with the activities of daily living. Care services resemble those provided in assisted living communities. For example, caregivers help seniors bathe, toilet, groom, prepare meals, and shop for groceries.

Receiving personal care is recommended for seniors who do not require ongoing medical care at home. Personal care aides are not qualified to provide medical care. They do, however, provide medication reminders and transfer assistance, such as when aging adults need help getting out of a bed or chair.

Long-term personal care at home is not covered by Medicare. However, Medicare will, on occasion, pay for short-term personal care, such as the first 100 days or less, if it is required in conjunction with in-home medical care prescribed by the senior’s physician.

The cost of home care varies according to geographic location. The average cost of home care, however, is $4,957 per month. When home health care is needed, the costs are significantly higher, at $5,148 per month, since licensed and trained caregivers provide skilled healthcare services.

Families looking for a home care agency are advised to research their options carefully, investing as much thoroughness as they would when searching for a residential care community. Consider licensure, cost, availability, dependability, experience, and the range of home care services provided.

Finding The Right Agency

When you need quality non-medical home care, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leader in providing in-home care to seniors of all ability levels. Our care services are provided by experienced caregivers who are committed to promoting the physical and emotional health of the elderly.

Caregiver responsibilities are non-medical in nature yet comprehensive. We provide dependable assistance with all the activities of daily living, including help with personal hygiene, medication reminders, transportation to doctors’ offices and errands, grocery shopping, meal preparation, companionship, and fall-risk assessments.

Care services from our reputable home care agency are available on a flexible basis. Whether your elderly loved one needs occasional respite care or ongoing live-in care, we can provide tailored services. A qualified caregiver can arrive at your home within 48 hours of your call.

The professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care are bonded, insured and background-checked. Families enjoy peace of mind knowing their aging loved ones are in qualified and capable hands, as each of our caregivers is trained in CPR and First Aid.

Choose Assisting Hands Home Care when you require compassionate home care for an elderly loved one. Our caregivers are available to serve the daily care needs of seniors living in Palos Heights, Illinois. Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation and begin quality senior care.