Three Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Type of Home Care or Care Facility for Your Loved One
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Determine the Best Home Care or Type of Facility by Asking the Right Questions
Whether it's due to aging, illness, or other circumstances, finding the right type of home care or care facility requires a clear understanding of your loved one’s unique needs and careful evaluation of your options to determine the best fit. But with all the options available, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
What Type of Home Care or Facility Is Right for Your Loved One?
So, how do you know which type of care is right for you or your loved one? Here are three factors to consider:
- Type of Care Needed – Care services can encompass a wide range of options. Here are some common types to consider:
- Companion Care and Homemaker Services – Personalized non-medical care services, including companionship and assistance with activities like cooking, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation to and from appointments, help running errands, and more.
- Personal Care – Hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as hygiene care, feeding, bathing, dressing, and mobility assistance.
- Skilled Nursing Care – Medical care provided by a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Services often include wound care, infusion therapy (IVs), tube feeding, and other skilled medical services.
- Adult Day Care/Senior Center – Enrichment programs for older adults designed to stimulate and engage people based on interest and activity levels. Many full-day and half-day programs provide meal service and transportation.
- Respite Care – Temporary care designed to provide family Caregivers with short-term relief from the constant demands of caregiving. This type of care can benefit both the client and the family caregiver by helping to reduce strain in the relationship and reduce caregiver burnout.
- Hospice Care – Palliative or comfort care is designed for people whose life expectancy is limited, often due to a terminal illness, such as cancer. The focus is providing comfort and compassion toward the end of a person’s life.
- Frequency of Care – Determining the level of care required involves assessing your loved one’s daily routine and needs. For example, some individuals may only require a couple of hours of assistance one day a week, while others may require 24/7 care due to a health condition. There are even situations in which regularly scheduled Wellness Calls can support morning and evening check-ins and reminders regarding medication, hydration, meals, and exercise.
Understanding this will help narrow down the options and ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate level of care to meet their needs.
Technology such as a personal emergency response system (PERS), monitoring services, and medical alert systems can provide peace of mind to family members while still maintaining the senior’s independence. - Financial Considerations– Understanding the costs associated with different types of care and exploring your options for funding are critical to determining the right type of care for your loved one.
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey is a valuable resource that compares the cost of care based on the geographic location of the care setting and the level of care required.
Determine the payment resources that are available for you. For example, if you or your spouse is a U.S. Veteran, you may be eligible for Pension with Aid and Attendance. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers this special benefit for eligible veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with day-to-day activities. Other payment options include private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, or other financial assistance programs.
Start with a Free In-Home Assessment
Are you or a loved one in need of in-home care? Home Helpers® Home Care is here to help.
For over 25 years, Home Helpers® Home Care has provided exceptional in-home care for veterans, seniors, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery. From personal care and companionship to safety monitoring and wellness calls, we offer comprehensive services tailored to meet each client's needs.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.