Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ
What Does In-Home Care mean?
Most seniors & those who are disabled prefer to stay in their own homes despite suffering from age-related or debilitating conditions. In-Home Care for the most part is non-medical care that's offered in the client's home. It involves general custodial care for the aged as well as assistance with normal daily activities like grooming & hygiene, nutritional eating, household tasks, mobility. Ideally, the care provides cognitive stimulation, companionship, and socialization to the client, as well.
Which Are the Main In-Home Care Service Options?
In-home care is highly personalized because each elderly or disabled person has different specific needs. Generally, the services can be broken down into the following options:
1. Companion Care Services. Providers in this category offer company to those that are housebound. They can largely take care of themselves.
2. Personal Care Assistance. Caregivers in this category assist in all daily activities such as hygiene, transportation, bookkeeping, meal preparation, and basic home assistance.
3. Home Healthcare. Caregivers in this category are trained to provide necessary therapy and medical care to our clients. Usually this is a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA.
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How much does In-Home Care cost?
Typically billed by the hour, In-Home care will vary depending on the type of assistance needed. Cost depends on the number of care hours per week. You may pay more for a registered caregiver (Certified Nursing Assistant) than what you pay when hiring a non-registered caregiver. Most families pay out-of-pocket for their care or use long-term care insurance.
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Does Medicare cover the cost of In-Home Care?
If you have Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance), you may be eligible for Medicare home health benefits. To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements: be housebound, be under the active care of a doctor who has certified that you need intermittent occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and/or skilled nursing care. And the home health agency must be Medicare approved. Please note that home health care is a different service from non-medical home care.
Medicare does not cover long-term care, 24-hour care at home, or non-medical home care if you need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or personal care like bathing and have no other medical needs. Understanding exactly what Medicare covers can be complicated. We recommend that you consult with an insurance expert to see if you or your loved one is eligible.
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Here's a potentially helpful overview podcast on the subject.
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Will my long-term care insurance cover In-Home Care?
It depends on your policy. If this is your first time using your benefits for home care, it’s best to contact your insurance provider to be sure that you may activate a claim, confirm any applicable elimination period, and clarify the services covered under your policy.
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Is using an In-Home Care agency better than hiring a private caregiver directly?
If you value safety, security, and reliability, yes. A quality home care agency is insured and also manages the performance and scheduling of its caregivers, handles billing and payroll, and has back-up caregivers to fill in when needed. With a private hire caregiver, you’re responsible for setting up payroll and withholding taxes, caregiver vetting and background checks, and purchasing sufficient liability insurance to cover any accidents or injuries in the home.
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Is In-Home Care better than moving to assisted living?
Nine out of ten older adults would prefer to live independently in the home they know and love rather than moving to a facility or assisted living community. With the right level of support, most people can continue to live safely and comfortably at home even as they age with a progressive illness or medical condition.
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Following are some benefits of hiring Elder Manage Care In-Home Care:
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Offering Companionship
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Safe Transportation
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Increased Hygiene and Medication Management
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Mindful Engagement
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