In-home senior care is care that allows a senior or elderly person with special needs to remain in their home. It might be for people who are getting older, are chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or disabled. Home health aides provide hands-on care and assistance to with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
They can also help with cooking, shopping, and laundry. Homemakers or companions provide services such as light housekeeping, transportation, and companionship.
Home Care Can Include:
Personal care, such as help with bathing, washing your hair, or getting dressed- Homemaking, such as cleaning, yard work, and laundry
- Healthcare, such as having a home health aide come to your home
- Medication reminders
- Homemaking services (meal prep, light housekeeping, etc.)
- Grocery shopping
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Running errands
- Companionship (card playing, taking walks, reminiscing).
You can get almost any type of help you want in your home.
Some types of care and community services are free or donated. Many other types you have to pay for. Sometimes government programs or your health insurance will help cover the cost of certain home care services.
Home care also provides caregivers with some much-needed caregiver respite care to ‘regroup’ by going to a movie or simply taking an uninterrupted nap. Trained and experienced caregivers provide care wherever ‘home is’ including an assisted living facility, nursing home or hospital, as well as a private residence. Most offer specialized training in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
When selecting a home care agency it’s important to verify they are licensed, bonded and insured and that multiple background checks and driving records (including auto insurance coverage) are performed. The driving records in the event their caregivers be using the family car for doctor appointments, errands, etc.
Home care can be provided by:
- Private pay home care companies
- State agencies and non-profit organizations
- Client Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS)
Cost of Home Care
If you or a family member needs home health care, and you live in Texas, plan on it costing about $18 per hour. If purchased ahead of time, LTC Insurance can pay for home care, often from the first day, it is needed. It will pay for a visiting or live-in caregiver, companion, housekeeper, therapist or private duty nurse up to seven days a week, 24 hours a day (up to the policy benefit maximum). It’s important to check the person’s policy regarding the coverage they have.
For low and fixed income seniors in Texas home care services are often provided through local state agencies and non-profit organizations as well as the Area Agencies on Agency. While they typically do not charge for their assistance, they are often understaffed, and unable to provide adequate long-term care due to the supply and demand issue.
Related Articles