Senior Home Care
Home care for the elderly is a good alternative to moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility, especially if you or your loved one needs extensive help with daily tasks. It’s important to plan ahead and find out about the available services in your area. Local Area Agencies on Aging, your state or tribal offices on aging and social services, and your healthcare providers can all point you in the right direction. You can also ask for guidance from pastors, rabbis, or other religious leaders.
You can also contact your family doctor and your senior’s geriatric care manager to learn more about home health services. Then talk to your loved one about their options, including the costs and benefits of senior home care Boston. Your doctor or geriatric care manager may be able to recommend home health aides or agencies in your area that provide this service, as well as other options such as hospice.
If your loved one has Medicare, he or she can get home health care. This type of home care involves a plan of care from your healthcare provider that includes a nurse or other health care professional who visits the older adult at home to assess their condition, administer medications, change dressings, and monitor vital signs. It also involves a physical, occupational, or speech therapist who can teach the older adult new ways to do daily tasks. The services are provided by a Medicare-certified agency, which means that they must meet certain guidelines to be covered.
The home healthcare team will certify that the senior’s home health care meets Medicare rules, which is called “certifying.” This will help make sure that the elderly person gets the services he or she needs and that these services are documented correctly. You or your elder may need to pay for some home health care expenses, but you can deduct any costs that align with the older adult’s medical needs and are outlined in the plan of care from his or her doctor. If you have questions about whether or not your home care costs are tax deductible, consult with a certified tax professional.
A home care aide can assist with basic everyday tasks such as bathing, grooming, and eating. In addition, a home care aide can help with housework, shopping, and running errands. You can hire a home care aide on an hourly or live-in basis, depending on your needs.
When you choose a home care aide, consider their experience, skills, and training. Make sure that you or your elderly loved one chooses an aide who will listen to their needs and concerns and can communicate effectively with them. You can also ask for references from other clients and families who have used the services of a home care agency. This can help remove some of the fear of hiring a home care aide. Lastly, you can also visit your local Visiting Angels office to see what services they offer.