Deciding On Types Of Care Services
America’s continued aging population is not just a reality, but an unstoppable wave that will change our society forever. The US Census Bureau predicts that the number of seniors aged 65 and above will reach a staggering 95 million by 2060, almost double the 52 million recorded in 2018. As this demographic shift occurs, the demand for quality care services for the elderly is rising at a rapid rate.
It’s no longer a matter of choice, but an obligation to ensure that our seniors receive the care and support they need to live their golden years with dignity and respect. However, deciding on the right type of care for your loved one can be a difficult decision.
What are Home Care Services?
Home care refers to a range of services designed to provide care and support to elderly individuals in the comfort of their own homes. It can encompass a variety of services, including:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and transferring
- Medication management (medication reminders, administration, and monitoring)
- Skilled nursing care (wound care, IV therapy, and medication management)
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping, laundry, and other household chores
- Companionship and socialization (conversation, games, and outings)
- Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Assistance with technology (setting up and using electronic devices)
- Respite care (to provide relief for family caregivers)
These services are provided by a team of compassionate and qualified professionals, including nurses, aides, and therapists. Together, they collaborate with the patient’s family and healthcare team to create a personalized care plan that caters to their specific needs and preferences, with options ranging from a few hours a day to around-the-clock care.
Different Types of Home Care Services
In-home care services can be broadly classified into two main types – home health care services and private-duty home care services. Home to Stay specializes in non-medical private-duty home care services. The main difference between the two is the type of care provided and the payment method.
Home Health Care Services
At times, seniors may need medical assistance at home due to an illness or injury, and that’s where home health care comes in. Home health care is similar to nursing care, with a focus on short-term medical conditions and illnesses. The ultimate goal of home health care is to help patients regain their independence and return to their daily activities.
The team of professionals providing home health care includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and social workers. The physician prescribes home health care, and the medical team collaborates to create a customized plan of care for the patient.
The following are some of the services offered through home health care:
- Skilled nursing services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Home health aide services
Payment Options: Home health care can come with a high price tag, but there are options for financial assistance that can help offset these costs. Many private health insurance plans and Medicare offer coverage for home health care services, provided certain conditions are met.
Private-Duty Home Care Services (offered by Home to Stay)
This is a dedicated service for seniors who require assistance with their activities of daily living along with other household duties. Private-duty aides offer help with tasks such as bathing, toileting, transferring from one location to another around the home, getting dressed and eating. Additionally some of the household duties include housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship to allow seniors to remain safe and comfortable in their own homes.
The goal of private-duty care is to help maintain a patient’s ability to stay in their home comfortably and offer respite care to other caregivers. This type of care can be particularly helpful for seniors who don’t want to move out of their own home to an unfamiliar environment, but still prefer receiving one-on-one care from a trained caregiver.
What’s included in one’s private-duty care service package completely depends on their unique needs. Some examples include:
- Personal care such as bathing, dressing, hygiene, transfers, and ambulation
- Homemakers and companions to provide socialization and companionship
- Meal preparation and cooking to ensure that seniors are receiving nutritious meals
- Medication reminders to help patients stay on track with their medications
- Caregivers trained to provide specialized care for conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, hospice, end-of-life, or other needs
- Transportation for shopping, doctor’s visits, or other needs
Payment Options: Private-duty home care can be paid for in a variety of ways, including private health insurance, out-of-pocket payments, long-term care insurance, and veterans benefits. In some cases, Medicaid may cover the cost of private-duty home care services, particularly for clients who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or have a disability. While Medicare does not cover private-duty care, it may cover some of the services that are provided by licensed medical professionals, such as skilled nursing care or physical therapy.
Home to Stay Options: In-Home Care Versus Facility Care
In-Home Care vs. Senior Housing (Assisted Living)
When it comes to senior care, families often struggle to decide between in-home care and assisted living communities. In-home care provides the comfort and familiarity of a home, while assisted living is a housing option that provides seniors with a community-style living environment.
In-home care is a great option for seniors who want to age in place and maintain independence, while assisted living provides socialization and access to medical care. In terms of costs, senior housing options are far more expensive, with a set monthly fee that includes meals, housekeeping, and other services. In contrast, in-home care services allow seniors to receive care in the comfort of their own homes and can be more cost-effective.
In-Home Care vs. Adult Day Care Services
Adult Day Care Services are programs that offer care to seniors and adults with disabilities. They provide a safe and stimulating environment for older adults who may need assistance with daily living activities but do not require 24/7 care. Adult day care centers are typically open during regular business hours. This allows family members or caregivers to go to work or take a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
Unlike the community setting of adult day care services, in-home care services provide highly personalized care in the comfort of the home. Care provided at home can include tailored services, with one-on-one attention being a key advantage. When deciding between in-home care and adult day care services, we recommend considering the needs and preferences of your loved one, as well as your budget and availability.
Let Home To Stay Senior Care Solutions Be Your Partner In Caring For Your Loved One
Are you struggling to decide which type of care service is best for your aging loved one? Home to Stay Senior Care Solutions can help. Our family-owned and operated non-medical home care company provides personalized services that allow seniors and disabled members of our community to stay at home.
With over 30 years of experience, our trained and certified caregivers offer meal preparation, light housekeeping, running errands, personal care, and several other services to care for your loved one’s needs. Let us help you care for your aging family members in Central and Southern New Jersey. Call us at (856) 321-1500 or contact us online to learn more.
