Taken
from its name, inhome care comprises the wide range of services provided for
in the home rather than in a hospital or in a facility. The advantage is having
the patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia illnesses staying in their own
homes. It is also advantageous for the caregivers.
However,
these types of services are not at all the same. Some of which are down at home
to provide non-medical help like assistance with daily living. The other
services involve medical care administered by a licensed health professional,
like a nurse, for instance.
Services
The
most prized type of the services rendered involves companionship. This takes
the form of help in the supervision as well as in the recreational activities
and in visiting.
Personal
care services are usually in the assistance in bathing, dressing up, toileting,
eating, exercising or some other personal care assistance.
Homemaker
services include activities in housekeeping, shopping, or in preparing meals.
In
skilled care, the help is centered on help in wound care, injections, physical
therapy, and other medical needs administered by a licensed health
professional. Many times, a home health care agency coordinates these types of
skilled care services on the orders of a doctor.
Choices
To
clients, the decision on who will provide home care is one big issue. From
some, having a home health agency might be a good choice. For others,
individual care givers suit them the best and their needs.
When
choosing who shall be your caregiver, you need to list your care needs
including your expectations on how these needs shall be met and be provided
for. You need to call the agency (or person) first to find the types of care
that they offer. Assess them if they would meet your needs.
Have
someone with your during the interview to check their impression later. Some
agencies do their own criminal background checks. If possible, talk to those
who have worked with the provider.
Right services
The
care provider can also check out his prospects by talking with the patient’s
doctor. The primary doctor providing care for the person who has Alzheimer’s is
one good place to begin with. You can also ask for the recommendations of home
health providers that have experiences caring for people with dementia.
You
can also try out Medicare’s online tool. You can find and compare
Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area with Medicare’s online
tool, Home Health Compare.
The other resources include the use of
Community Resource Finder. You can also call your local Alzheimer’s Association
to provide referrals. People who have experiences with these services are good
resource persons to ask.
Costs
The
costs for home care services vary, depending on many other factors. These would
include shat services you are provided with, where you live and whether the
expenses qualify for Medicare or private insurance coverage.
When
patients meet the eligibility criteria, Medicare covers the inhome care services.
This includes being home-bound and requiring the services of a skilled
professional. This also applies if the services are considered reasonable and
necessary for treatment.
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