As of July 2019, the US was home to an estimated 54 million Americans 65 years or older. By 2034, experts predict that older adults will outnumber children under 18 by at least 3.6%.
All these figures prove that the nation’s people are living longer.
This is incredible news, but it doesn’t mean that all Baby Boomers are aging with good health and grace. Indeed, researchers found that 60% of them have at least one chronic health condition. Arthritis and diabetes are two of the most common problems they face.
An in-home care provider can help you or an elderly loved one manage these concerns. A stay-at-home caregiver can also give you, or your aging loved one much more independence. They can help with daily living tasks and health needs, right at the comfort of your home.
On that note, we came up with this guide on choosing the right in-home health care provider. Read on so that you know what to look for in a professional home health support service.
Level of Care and Health Services You Need
Formal in-home caregivers are either medical professionals or direct-care workers. The former includes physicians, nurses, therapists, dieticians, and social workers. The latter includes home health aides and patient care attendants.
At-home patients needing strict and constant supervision often rely on a medical professional.
Direct-care workers often work under the direct supervision of a medical professional. In this case, they receive healthcare instructions from the patient’s doctor.
When to Choose a Medical Caregiver
A perfect example is if a patient requires bed confinement due to a severe injury or immobility. The same goes for individuals who need to be on support equipment (such as a breathing device). Another is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over five million people in the US.
Does any of the above apply to you or your loved one? If so, then it’s best to have a doctor, nurse, or specialist therapist as a caregiver.
When It’s Okay to Go With a Direct-Care Worker
You can go with a home health aide if you or your loved one is still in relatively good health.
Let’s say that you have a chronic illness, but you’re still mobile. You only need someone to aid you with your activities of daily living. You may also want to have someone around to help with your medication needs.
In the above example, a home health aide can already meet all your needs. They can restock your medications and remind you to take your prescriptions. They can cook your meals, help you with housekeeping, and provide you companionship.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
More than half of all US states require home care agencies to have some form of licensure. Federal laws are also in place for medical home care providers. Meanwhile, state laws govern non-medical home care services.
In-home nurses and certified nursing assistants also need a license in most states. There are also licensing regulations that apply to home health aides.
These credentials are vital as they help ensure patients will receive quality care. It also gives you peace of mind, as licensure requires extensive background checks. This can help lower your risks of suffering from elder abuse or patient maltreatment.
Note that elderly abuse is a massive concern in the US, as it’s a common occurrence. Experts say that at least one to two million elderly in the US have suffered from such incidents.
So, for your safety and well-being, choose only a licensed and compassionate caregiver.
Your Health Insurance Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid, and even some private health insurers cover in-home care services. There are certain requirements, but if you meet them, you may not have to shoulder all the costs.
An example of in-home care coverage offered by Medicare and Medicaid is the CDPAP program. CDPAP stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.” It provides services to patients with chronic illnesses or physical disabilities.
CDPAP services include assistance with ADLs and even skilled nursing care. It delivers any type of service usually given by a nurse, home health aide, or home attendant.
Many private insurers also cover some of the costs of in-home care services. If you or your loved one has a long-term care policy, then you may be able to get some coverage. However, most insurance companies have a say on which home care agency you can hire.
In many cases, the main requirement for coverage is that a doctor prescribes the need for in-home care. The prescription then gets sent to the insurance company. The insurer, be it Medicare or a private one, then reviews the doctor’s recommendation.
Once approved, the insured can then receive quality care right at the comfort of their home.
Background and Previous Experience
If you don’t have insurance or if it doesn’t cover in-home care, you need to shoulder the costs yourself. In this case, you’re free to choose the agency or caregiver. However, you also have to carry out the employment process on your own.
Start by validating the accreditation, certification, and license of the agency or caregiver. Your city health department can help you confirm the validity of these credentials.
Next, dig deep into the agency’s or care provider’s background and training history. Pay attention to any complaints made against them, especially claims of abuse. You want to hire only those with a clean and flawless history.
You should also ask for patient references, and make sure you call at least three of them. Ask them about their experience and if they recommend that agency or care provider. If not, ask them why exactly they were unhappy or dissatisfied with the service provider.
All these can help ensure that you’ll hire a trustworthy and responsible caregiver. It also assures you that you or your loved one will spend time with a compassionate caregiver.
Keep Your Independence and Your Home While Staying Healthy
There you have it, your ultimate guide on how to choose a reliable in-home care provider. Now, you know what exactly to look for in a trustworthy and compassionate caregiver. Use this newly-gained knowledge so that you can stay in your home longer with the help of a responsible aide.