For many of us, moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility is not something we look forward to. We prefer to age at home because of the comfort and familiarity home brings, allowing us to decide on our own when we’re ready to fall asleep and when to wake up, what to eat for meals, what things we want to do each day, and more. Thankfully, aging at home is a viable option for many seniors because of the variety of in-home care services that are available. Here are four types of private care that can be provided in the comfort of home:
- Private Duty Care: Private duty home care services cover non-medical care such as companionship, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, transportation and errand-running, assistance with personal care, Alzheimer’s care, and more. Private duty home care is generally paid for by the senior or his/ her family members. There are also some services which may be covered by long-term care insurance, workers’ compensation, or veterans’ benefits. It is important to understand however that Medicare does not cover private duty home care services when there is a long-term need.
- Home Health Care: Home health care consists of skilled nursing assistance, generally following an injury or for chronic conditions. Services include diabetes care, wound care, injections, blood pressure monitoring, and other medical treatments that require nursing skills. Home health care can also involve therapy services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Some home health care needs may be covered through Medicare, when specific conditions are met.
- Care Management Services: Care managers (or Aging Life Care Specialists) help with managing the details of a senior’s life and estate that are not covered by direct care providers, such as management of finances. Care managers can also coordinate other senior care services that may be beneficial, mediate family communications, and help with a move or closing up of a household. Care management is almost always an out-of-pocket expense. Stowell Associates’ expert care managers are registered nurses and masters-level social workers who create tailored care solutions for our clients and their families.
- Hospice Care: Hospice care is available in the home when patients are approaching the end of a terminal illness. Hospice is intended to provide comfort and support for both the patient and his or her family. Hospice can include nursing services as well as help with a patient’s emotional health and spiritual needs. Hospice care is usually covered by most private insurance providers and through Medicare when the appropriate requirements are met.
Know an older adult who might benefit from our professional home care and care management services? Whether the need is for personal care services such as bathing, dressing and hygiene assistance, planning and preparing meals, light housekeeping, escorted transportation to medical appointments or to run errands, or specialized care such as for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, we’re here for you, around the clock. You can reach us any time at 414.963.2600 in the Milwaukee area, or 262.521.3016 in the Waukesha area, or by completing our simple online contact form.
