Understand the Options for Aging at Home

For the majority of us, aging at home is preferred over a move to a nursing home or assisted living facility because of the comfort and familiarity home brings. It allows us the chance to choose when we want to go to bed and when to wake up, what we want to eat for meals, what activities we want to do each day, and more. Thankfully, aging at home is possible for many older adults because of the variety of in-home care services that are available. Following are several types of in-home care that can be provided in the comfort of home:

• Private Duty Care: Private duty home care services encompass non-medical care such as companionship, household chores, meal planning and preparation, transportation and running errands, help with personal care, dementia care, and more. Private duty home care is typically paid for by the senior or his/ her family members. There are, however, some services that may be covered by long-term care insurance, workers’ compensation, or veterans’ benefits. It is important to understand that Medicare does not currently cover private duty home care services when there is a long-term need. 
• Home Health Care: Home health care, such as that provided by Harmony Home Health & Hospice, consists of skilled nursing services, usually following an injury or for chronic health conditions. Services include diabetes care, wound care, IV management, injections, blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and other medical treatments that require nursing skills. Home health care can also include therapy services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Some home health care needs are covered through Medicare, when specific conditions are met. 
• Care Management: Care managers (or Aging Life Care Specialists) assist with managing the details of a senior’s life and estate that are not covered by direct care providers, including finance management. Care managers can also coordinate other services that may be helpful, mediate family discussions, and help with a move or closing up of a household. Care management is almost always an out-of-pocket expense. 
• Hospice Care: Hospice care is available in the home for patients who are approaching the end of life. Hospice is intended to offer comfort and support for the patient as well as his or her family. Hospice care can include nursing services as well as assistance with a patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care is typically covered by most private insurance providers and through Medicare when the appropriate requirements are met.

If a senior you love is interested in aging at home, contact Harmony Home Health & Hospice to see how we can help. As the leading provider of elderly care in Salt Lake City, UT and surrounding areas, we are pleased to offer a full range of home health care services that make recovering at home a viable option. Call us at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) any time to learn more.