Home care refers to numerous in-home health services provided to seniors, such as wound care, administering medication, and assistance with pain relief, to name a few. Home care allows them to maintain independence and freedom while obtaining affordable and practical health care and help from home caregivers or skilled nurses. Below, our top 5 tactics for planning home care for your senior.
Planning for home care
Initiating the home health care process may seem daunting, but we’ll assist you by providing a step-by-step plan.
1. Understand the importance of planning sooner rather than later
Planning for home care should start as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to research what options best suit you and your family’s needs when caring for your senior.
2. Establish the cost and funding options for home care
Available funding for in-home health care can be limited. Medicaid has stringent income requirements, with patients needing to be low-income to take advantage of their services, while Medicare does not pay for what they deem as “ongoing health care services.”
It would be beneficial to verify what you may qualify for so there is enough time to investigate any available and affordable insurance options. Click here for advice from Aging Care on how to pay for in-home care.
3. Check the safety and functionality of your senior’s home
Safety aspects in a senior’s living space are paramount. There are many factors to take into consideration: is infection control possible? Is the premises easily accessible to your senior?
Some alterations that can be made to the premises include building a ramp, installing grab bars in the bathrooms or shower, or even adjusting kitchen countertops. Replacing slippery flooring with slip-resistant tiles or carpets can also go a long way. First, however, it must be determined if this is financially viable and will result in the premises being liveable and safe for both seniors and caregivers.
4. Monitor your senior family member
As people age, it may become more difficult for them to ask for home care assistance. As the family member of an aging adult, look out for red flags that indicate a need for in-home care. Aging care has a list of signs that may suggest it is time to start in-home care services.
5. Know your goal
Home care is specific to the needs of an individual. What works for one person may not work for another, and cost implications differ for contrasting conditions. AARP has a worthwhile goals and needs checklist, which can be discussed amongst family members and your senior to make the best decision for forging a secure home care plan.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors in deciding the best way to plan home care for your senior. However, the benefits of planning sooner and vigorously assessing your senior’s needs will contribute to a cohesive and successful home care plan.
For any further questions about home care for seniors, contact us today. There is no cost or obligation for our services. We can connect you with Arizona’s most trusted senior living resources.
*Disclaimer: This blog post was inspired by a recent article posted by Aging In Place. To view the original, click here.
