What is In-Home Care?

In-Home Care, Home Care and Home Health Care are terms used to describe any type of care given to a person in their own home. Typically, In-Home Care and Home Care offer non-medical care which is provided by caregivers to help Seniors with activities of daily living. Home Health Care describes medical services performed at home by licensed, skilled health care professionals. While the terms are often used interchangeably it is important to note the distinction between non-medical and medical care, particularly from the expense side.

Home Care provides services which allow Seniors to remain in the comfort of their homes rather than have to move to a longer-term care option.  Home Health care can be an integral part of a post-hospitalization process, especially just after discharge from the hospital.

 

When is In-Home Care or Home Health needed?

In-Home Care may be needed for someone who needs assistance with their activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.  This assistance can be set up by Seniors and their families at whatever interval best suits the particular situation.  The caregivers will be trained to work with Seniors but will not be healthcare professionals.

Home Health may be needed for a Senior who has declined in function and needs medical help to regain some of their independence. It is also helpful for recover after a hospitalization when medical help  is needed but not on the around the clock basis provided by a hospital.  Service providers may include registered nurses, respiratory and occupational therapists, medical social workers and mental health workers.   Home Health care is doctor prescribed.

 

Services Which can be Provided by In-Home Care

• Bathing
• Light housework
• Dressing
• Meal preparation
• Transferring
• Medication reminders
• Toilet help
• Shopping
• Eating
• Transportation
• Walking
• Bill paying
• Companionship
• Grooming

 

Services Which are Provided by Home Health

• Medical or psychological assessment
• Wound care
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Disease education and management
• Medication management
• IV Care
• Injections

 

Paying for In-Home Care

The cost of In-Home Care will vary based on where in the United States you are located, and the hours and services needed.  Here is Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey. The average cost nationwide is around $20/hour with some locations as low as $10/hour and others as high as $30/hour.

Home Care can become quite expensive over time.  Expenses are usually paid from the resources of the Senior (private pay) or long-term care insurance if available. If the Senior qualifies for Medicaid, they may pay part of all of the cost.

 

Paying for Home Health

Home Health is described by your doctor and since it is a medical service it is typically covered by Medicare, or if you are eligible, by Medicaid. This booklet from Medicare explains who is eligible, what services are covered, comparing home health agencies and your rights under Medicare.

 

Home Improvements for Safe Senior Living

Taking a systematic approach to people’s needs for aging in place yields a long list of tasks. Completing most of them in advance can provide a better guarantee of accessibility for residents even decades into the future. This guide helps homeowners determine various aspects they should consider in each room, and ways they can improve their accessibility.

See the Home Improvement Checklist Here

  

Search for In-Home Care

The Senioridy interactive search tool makes finding In Home Care near you easy! Search by State, County and Home Care or Hospice.  We will be adding Home Health in the near future!