Even if living with or living near family and friends, there may be times when seniors need home care services. This refers to non-medical or custodian care given at the home of a patient, usually by persons who are non-licensed medical personnel (not nurses or doctors). Such caregivers are hired directly or through an agency.
Study shows that more women than men need in home senior care. But in general, it is not only seniors who may need home care. People with disabilities or special needs, as well as people recovering from major surgeries also avail of home care services.
Home care makes it possible to remain at home and in the environment they are most comfortable with instead of using long-term institution-based nursing care. It allows them to be near loved ones and gives them a feeling of living a "normal" life as opposed to long term stays in a hospice or nursing home. There is also a variety of options available for home care services, depending on the type and frequency of assistance needed.
Professional health care or life assistance (or a combination of both) is included in the service. Professional health care covers services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological assessment, medication teaching, pain management, wound care and disease education and management. Life assistance refers to assistance with activities of daily living and is the most common form of home care. Seniors may find themselves facing limitations on their capacity to care for themselves and need help bathing, dressing, walking, eating and using the toilet.
Activities of daily living include those that reflect the patient's capacity to care for himself, such as eating, walking, bathing, dressing and using the toilet. It also covers daily tasks such as light housework, preparing meals, taking medication, shopping, using the telephone and managing money. For the latter, home care providers are there to educate and advise, with the patient making his own decision on financial matters and signing his own checks and financial or legal documents.
Although home care services are always available, other arrangements can be made. Caregivers can be on hand on a shifting, part-time, hourly, live-in or as-needed basis. The option of having a dedicated caregiver or having a team is also available.
In financial terms, in home senior care (with the exception of live-in care) is generally less expensive than room and board or assisted living facilities such as nursing homes. The cost of home care depends on several factors, including location and skill level of service. For instance, caregivers hired through an agency as well as licensed medical personnel will cost more than direct hires and informal help.
Home care services can have hourly, daily or weekly rates, and the cost can be paid by the patient and his or her family as an out of pocket expense or via public and private sources. Federal or private insurance, for example, can be used to cover professional health care services, which are usually ordered by a doctor. Financial assistance can also be obtained from community organizations such as the local cancer society or Alzheimer's association.
Study shows that more women than men need in home senior care. But in general, it is not only seniors who may need home care. People with disabilities or special needs, as well as people recovering from major surgeries also avail of home care services.
Home care makes it possible to remain at home and in the environment they are most comfortable with instead of using long-term institution-based nursing care. It allows them to be near loved ones and gives them a feeling of living a "normal" life as opposed to long term stays in a hospice or nursing home. There is also a variety of options available for home care services, depending on the type and frequency of assistance needed.
Professional health care or life assistance (or a combination of both) is included in the service. Professional health care covers services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological assessment, medication teaching, pain management, wound care and disease education and management. Life assistance refers to assistance with activities of daily living and is the most common form of home care. Seniors may find themselves facing limitations on their capacity to care for themselves and need help bathing, dressing, walking, eating and using the toilet.
Activities of daily living include those that reflect the patient's capacity to care for himself, such as eating, walking, bathing, dressing and using the toilet. It also covers daily tasks such as light housework, preparing meals, taking medication, shopping, using the telephone and managing money. For the latter, home care providers are there to educate and advise, with the patient making his own decision on financial matters and signing his own checks and financial or legal documents.
Although home care services are always available, other arrangements can be made. Caregivers can be on hand on a shifting, part-time, hourly, live-in or as-needed basis. The option of having a dedicated caregiver or having a team is also available.
In financial terms, in home senior care (with the exception of live-in care) is generally less expensive than room and board or assisted living facilities such as nursing homes. The cost of home care depends on several factors, including location and skill level of service. For instance, caregivers hired through an agency as well as licensed medical personnel will cost more than direct hires and informal help.
Home care services can have hourly, daily or weekly rates, and the cost can be paid by the patient and his or her family as an out of pocket expense or via public and private sources. Federal or private insurance, for example, can be used to cover professional health care services, which are usually ordered by a doctor. Financial assistance can also be obtained from community organizations such as the local cancer society or Alzheimer's association.
About the Author:
Jen has done general research on this subject in an attempt to help anyone in their search for understanding. When suffering from diabetes, Alzheimer's or any kind of disease it helps to find outside assistance. Senior home care can help you with your daily living. You can find trustworthy in home care for seniors in your local phone book, or on the internet.
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