Home Care News – When Emily noticed her father struggling with basic tasks like cooking and dressing, she realized a tough decision lay ahead. Her father, once a vibrant storyteller and avid gardener, was now facing the challenges of aging. Like many adult children in this situation, Emily felt overwhelmed. Where should she begin? Who could she trust to care for her beloved father? This story is familiar to many, and it underscores the importance of understanding and compassion in transitioning a loved one into home care.

Navigating this transition is a significant decision that involves numerous considerations. It’s not just about finding someone to assist with daily activities; it’s about ensuring a continuation of care, respect, and dignity for our loved ones. This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the various aspects of this process, from choosing between local and national home care providers to understanding the specific needs of your loved one, and managing the complexities of healthcare and medical record keeping.

As Emily and many others in similar situations have discovered, the path to providing the best care for a loved one is multifaceted and often complex. It involves not only understanding the different types of care available but also discerning which type aligns best with their loved one’s needs. In this journey, one encounters various options, each serving distinct purposes and requiring different considerations in terms of services, payment, and insurance coverage. Let’s dive into these options – namely non-medical home care, skilled home health care, and the role of patient/health advocates – to gain clarity on what they entail, their necessity in certain circumstances, and how they are typically financed. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions that ensure your loved one receives the right level of care and support they deserve.

What is Non-Medical Home Care?

• What It Is: Non-medical home care provides assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. These services are typically provided by trained caregivers but do not include medical care or treatments.
• Why It’s Needed: This type of care is ideal for individuals, especially seniors, who wish to remain in their homes but need help with day-to-day activities. It’s particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions that limit physical capabilities, or cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
• Payment and Insurance: Non-medical home care is usually paid out-of-pocket or sometimes covered by long-term care insurance. It is generally not covered by traditional health insurance policies or Medicare, though some Medicaid programs may cover these services under certain conditions.

What is Skilled Home Health Care?

• What It Is: Skilled home health care is a higher level of care provided by licensed medical professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This care is usually prescribed by a doctor and includes medical treatments, wound care, medication management, and rehabilitation services.
• Why It’s Needed: Skilled home health care is necessary for patients who have recently been hospitalized, undergone surgery, or require regular medical attention for chronic illnesses. It’s a critical service for those who need medical care but are able to recover or manage their conditions in the comfort of their homes.
• Payment and Insurance: Skilled home health care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, provided it is prescribed by a doctor and deemed medically necessary. Some patients may have to cover a portion of the costs, depending on their insurance policy.

What are Health Advocates?

• What They Do: Patient or health advocates are professionals who help patients navigate the healthcare system. Their services can include coordinating care among different healthcare providers, assisting with medical billing and insurance issues, ensuring patients understand their medical conditions and treatment options, and helping with long-term care planning.
• Why They’re Needed: Health advocates are particularly beneficial for individuals who find the healthcare system complex and confusing, especially in times of serious illness or when managing multiple health conditions. They help ensure that the patient’s healthcare needs are met efficiently and effectively.
• Payment and Insurance: Hiring a patient or health advocate is typically an out-of-pocket expense, as their services are not usually covered by insurance. However, for many, the benefits of having an advocate can outweigh the costs, especially in situations involving complex care needs or when navigating insurance and billing issues.

Understanding the Transition

When a loved one requires assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) due to conditions like Alzheimer’s, arthritis, or mobility issues, it’s time to consider home care. The transition involves assessing needs, exploring care options, and making decisions that align with your loved one’s preferences and requirements.

Local vs. National Home Care Providers

1. Local Providers:
   • Pros: Often offer more personalized, specialized care. They may be more attuned to local resources and community support.
   • Cons: May have limitations in providing round-the-clock or weekend care. Smaller staff numbers can lead to availability issues.
2. National Chain Providers:
   • Pros: Typically have larger staff pools, reducing concerns about 24/7 availability. May offer more standardized levels of care.
   • Cons: Could be less personalized, with potential variability in caregiver-client matching. Some may require retainers or have higher costs.

Assessing the Client’s Needs in Proper Home Care Managment

Determining your loved one’s needs is crucial. Consider the following:

• Physical Needs: Assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility.
• Medical Needs: Managing medications, appointments, and medical procedures.
• Emotional and Social Needs: Companionship, mental stimulation, and emotional support.
• Lifestyle Preferences: Consider their daily routines, hobbies, and social activities.

Cost Considerations

Costs vary based on the type and frequency of care. Local providers may have different pricing structures compared to national chains. Consider insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid options and understand what expenses you might be responsible for out-of-pocket.

Is non-medical home care considered as direct health costs? 

Non-medical home care is generally considered an indirect health cost. This type of care includes assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping, which support overall well-being but do not involve direct medical treatment or health services provided by licensed healthcare professionals.

The Role of Health/Patient Advocates and Medical Record Management

Navigating healthcare for a loved one can be complex. Health or patient advocates can assist in coordinating care and managing medical governance. Additionally, efficient management of medical records is vital. This includes keeping track of medical history, treatments, and medications.

Incorporating Tools Like Patient Better

Utilizing resources like Patient Better can streamline the management of health information and facilitate effective communication with healthcare providers. It helps in coordinating care between medical and non-medical services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your loved one’s health.

Making the Decision

1. Involve Your Loved One: Ensure their voice is heard in the decision-making process.
2. Research Thoroughly: Look into the track record, reviews, and credentials of potential providers.
3. Consider Compatibility: The caregiver’s compatibility with your loved one’s personality and needs is essential.
4. Plan for Adjustments: Be prepared to reassess and make changes as your loved one’s needs evolve.