Los Angeles Home Health Care
Home care refers to health care provided in the home by health care professionals, family members and friends. The term “home care”, which refers to non-medical care that is more custodial, may also mean licensed staff. These differences are similar to those between nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Home health care allows seniors to retain some independence, much like assisted living facilities. A couple or individual with an elderly person will enjoy having their privacy and assistance with daily living.
What home health care services are available
What services is home health care capable of providing? Home health care can help seniors with their daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, cleaning, cooking, and eating. Special provisions may be made depending on the individual needs, such as transportation, errands and volunteer programs, exercise and walking assistance, and toileting assistance. Rehabilitation programs and visits by nurses and physical therapists are some of the more extensive types of home healthcare. Others who are qualified in home care include occupational nurses, respiratory nurses, social workers, and mental health workers.
Who pays for home healthcare? Private resources, family members, public payers like Medicare and Medicaid, or employer-sponsored insurance plans can all pay for this type of assisted living. Medicare won’t usually pay for home healthcare on a long-term basis, while Medicaid will likely help low-income families who have little or no assets. Employer-sponsored home healthcare is unlikely to be provided on a long-term basis, unless the plan is extremely generous. Home health care is usually paid for with the family’s own funds.
Comparison of Assisted Living and Home Health Care
What is the difference between home health care and in-house stays at nursing facilities or assisted living facilities? As seniors value privacy, most would prefer to receive home health care. There are situations that require constant supervision, not just occasional visits, to an assisted living facility. Home health care is similar to assisted living but allows for more independence. A nursing home or board and care home would be a better choice for a resident who is unable to be left alone for extended periods of time.
You might think that home healthcare is cheaper than nursing home care. Home health care can cost twice as much depending on how many hours the aides work. Residents have stated that home health care is twice as expensive as staying in an assisted living or board and care home. The average hourly rate for home health care agencies is $20.00. The fees can be reduced if the resident is independent. You can save money by hiring an agency fee if you have very limited needs.
Seniors who are able to move around and feel well, but need help with housekeeping and doctor visits, may be suited for home health care. This is a good option for seniors who need full-time care, but don’t want to be residents in a nursing home. The best home health care is full-time, which allows for the greatest privacy and provides personal attention. You should be careful about the qualifications of any workers you hire for this type senior care. It could be dangerous to open your home to strangers, which can pose a security risk. Home health agencies that are the best in their industry have carefully screened all workers.
