Will home care affect independence?

Remaining in one’s own home while receiving senior health care is called aging in place. It allows seniors who are no longer able to care for themselves to remain in their familiar environment while in the care of a healthcare provider. It is a myth that the constant presence of a caregiver will force the senior to become dependent on the caregiver. That is not true. A caregiver provides whatever help is needed, from grooming to assisting with medication. 

• Providing targeted support that allows seniors to continue living in their own homes – A trained caregiver will assist when needed, and a part of that assistance is to allow the senior to do as much as possible for him or herself, thus increasing the patient’s independence instead of reducing it.

Creating a plan to support the patient at home must provide him or her with as much independence as possible. If he or she can get dressed without assistance, the caregiver should not interfere, even if it takes more time. The point is to allow the senior to be and feel in control as much as possible. Such targeted support goes far in growing the patient’s confidence and feeling of autonomy.

• Empowering clients to maintain their daily routines and preferences – A daily routine of necessary tasks and enjoyable hobbies should be adapted to the senior’s ability and inclinations. Caretakers should help only to the extent it is needed and should not guess at the patient’s inclination. By having a conversation and actively listening to his or her wants, concerns, and desires, the caretaker can offer choices and options tailored specifically to the elderly individual. Keeping the patient involved in his or her own care provides him or her with feelings of self-worth and empowerment.

• Offering flexible care schedules that adapt to the client’s lifestyle – In addition to being more comfortable for the patient, at-home care allows for greater flexibility. The needs of seniors change, and a caretaker’s major concern is to address those both physical, emotional, and cerebral needs as they evolve. It is critical to tailor at-home care to achieve the best health for the patient. Senior health care is no longer a one-size-fits-all situation. Instead, it is one patient and his or her unique condition and needs. Cooperation between caretakers, healthcare providers, and family is essential. 

• Supporting existing capabilities while assisting only where needed –  Seniors can find it difficult and diminishing to depend on the support of an in-home caretaker. This response is perfectly normal as the elderly patient has been in control and in charge for decades. The adjustment is not easy. It is the job of the caretaker to encourage the senior’s ability to handle day-to-day tasks while offering help only when necessary.

This gentle support can involve providing easy-to-wear clothes, making closets and shelves easy to reach, and suggesting easy-to-perform physical activities.

How affordable is home care?

While cost is a common concern, home care is often more affordable than people think:

• Home care services can be customized to fit various budgets and needs – It affects the entire family when an elderly parent requires support, but not all seniors need immediate 24/7 care. If someone is living with the patient, 24-hour service may not be required, cutting down on the cost. Care providers offer companionship and day-to-day help and therapy, but arrangements can be made to have a family member do the shopping, laundry, etc. – another cut in cost. A live-in care provider can be affordable as well and will provide peace of mind that is invaluable.

• The cost comparison with facility-based care often favors home care – facility-based costs are usually clearly established, with a national monthly average of about $4,000. The expense in some states can reach over $9,000 or can be as low as $2,500. Serious illnesses, such as dementia, will increase the cost. 

In the state of Washington, monthly costs range from $4,000 to $6,500 and you can see 20-30% higher costs for more serious illnesses such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Estimating home healthcare costs is slightly more difficult. The rate is usually hourly, and the necessary hours aren’t always clear. The family and agency or caregiver can determine the hours needed based on how much the patient is able to do on his or her own and on how much assistance the family can contribute.

• Many insurance plans and programs provide coverage for home care services – Finding adequate homecare health insurance can be a challenge, but it is possible. 

1. Medicare does not pay most of the costs associated with long-term home health care.
2. Medicaid does pay a great deal of the costs associated with long-term home health care for qualifying families.
3. Individual private health insurers, upon which many families rely, differ widely in the types of long-term home health care they will cover. Research is needed to find a private insurer with coverage for experienced home healthcare.
4. Long-term-care insurance is an option to supplement regular healthcare coverage. It can cover assistance with normal daily chores the patient is no longer able to perform. The twist is that this insurance must be taken out before there are signs of illness. This may be viable for a family with a history of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Statistically, close to 70 percent of seniors will require long-term care.

• • Flexible scheduling options allow families to optimize care hours – With flexible scheduling of homecare, it is easier to arrange for necessary appointments around everyone’s existing plans, especially those of a part-time caretaker or for multiple members of the family who also take part in the patient’s care.  

Will professional care impact family relationships?

Professional caregivers for seniors are very much like professional carers for children. Seniors and children depend on the invaluable services of caretakers, but it is a strong myth that family will or can ever be replaced.

• Professional caregivers complement and support family involvement – Caretakers oversee the day-to-day care of the patient. However, the family remains involved through regular communication, taking part in an approved long-term care plan, and providing additional physical and emotional support to the patient. The caretaker never replaces the family; they work in unison as a team.   

• Families often report stronger relationships when relieved of caregiver burnout – Caregivers carry a tremendous responsibility, frequently at all hours. Burnout, therefore, can be an expected consequence, and self-care becomes as crucial as care for the patient. Here are some tips for avoiding caregiver burnout and creating a stronger caregiver/family/patient bond:

1. Never hesitate to ask your agency for help. Understand that even the most devoted caretaker can’t always do it all. It is important to learn to say no at times and say yes to yourself.
2. Take advantage of respite care, whereby the regular caretaker can be relieved by a temporary care provider.

• Care plans incorporate family preferences and established routines – Care plans for seniors revolve around routines, the patient’s abilities, and the family’s preferences. A critical aspect of the plan is consistency while remaining flexible enough to accommodate all involved.

A familiar routine provides the patient with stability and a sense of being in control, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. It’s a patient, family, and caregiver win-all.

Preferences will vary according to the individual; however, families and caregivers should work together to focus and encourage the patient to spend time on favorite activities, whether it is gardening, playing games, or walking. There is power and emotional freedom in working together with families.

• Regular communication keeps families involved and informed – Families and ailing seniors can build a strong bond by communicating regularly. This keeps the family involved in the senior’s life and provides the senior with greater support. The more the family understands all the senior’s needs, the more it can take part in personal and medical decisions. 

Any type of communication, even a simple “hello” phone call, will elevate the senior’s mood and lessen the sense of isolation. The senior takes it as evidence, and rightly so, that he or she is being loved. 

Can home care adapt to different needs and situations?

Each patient is an individual. While that may sound obvious, many still believe that home health care is standardized for ease and simplicity. On the contrary, home healthcare is all about providing the type of individual attention that best fits the patient.

• Care plans are tailored to each client’s specific needs and preferences – Personalized health care allows caretakers to be “patient-directed” with their care. This includes preparing meals that the patient enjoys, monitoring the effects of medication, noting any changes, and providing all-important one-on-one care and attention that helps the patient thrive and feel more confident.

Healthcare plans should be tailored to specific individuals, and that very fact allows for adaptation to changing circumstances. Plans should be flexible to change as the patient changes.

• Services can range from companion care to specialized assistance – the use of personal at-home healthcare has evolved over the past few years. While healthcare in a nursing home can be excellent, it must still be standardized among a given number of patients. Homecare, on the other hand, is all about personalized tailoring. Services can include, but are not limited to, customized cooking, monitoring physical and mental health, grooming, providing treasured companionship, dispensing medications, and, if needed, updating the medical staff and family on the patient’s condition.

The services do not end there. The caretaker will also ensure that the home and surrounding areas are safe. Caretakers with special training can also conduct physical therapy when needed.

• Care evolves as needs change over time – The needs of seniors will change. There are two reasons for this. People change, and healthcare technology changes. Devices can now be worn to monitor the heart, breathing, and more. Getting the needed healthcare is easier these days with telehealth technology. 

Modern times have moved beyond simple medical care for seniors and have evolved to include emotional care, as well. Loneliness can be as fatal as a disease. In addition, more doctors are working with holistic health theories such as yoga, meditation, etc.

• Caregivers are matched based on skills, personality, and client preferences – It is wise to match caregivers to the needs of the patient.  After all, patients have unique needs and personalities, and they are best matched with a caregiver who complements them. For example, some patients require help with daily tasks such as grooming and cooking and can function well with a caregiver who enjoys those activities. Dementia patients or physically handicapped seniors will benefit from a caregiver with extra, specialized training.     

Personality should be complementary, as well. Some patients are easy-going and will do fine with a laidback caregiver. Other patients can be more demanding and may need a caregiver with a high level of empathy and patience. 

The senior’s family, who is most likely to hire the caregivers, should keep in mind that well-matched patients and caregivers are far more likely to bond and maintain a healthy, long-term relationship. 

Is home care exclusively for seniors?

Home care services are available for everyone – young people with injuries, anyone with disabilities, and, of course, older people in need of help with daily life who wish to avoid being moved to an assisted living facility. 

• Recovery support after surgery or illness – post-surgery can be a difficult time for anyone. People of any age need and will benefit from home care during this time. A trained caregiver can provide help and emotional support with daily tasks as well as provide medical assistance by dressing wounds, helping with physical therapy, and administering medications. A caregiver helps the family provide support when needed. Working together is the key to success.

• Temporary support during challenging life transitions – Life can be challenging for all of us, and there are times we can benefit from temporary caretaker support when we wish to reduce the burden on our family. Transitions can mean several things, but the most challenging can be emotional distress over a significant loss. It is normal to grieve, and a caretaker can take the time for nonjudgemental listening and provide empathy when needed. This can be in addition to the support we receive from our family.

• Respite care for family caregivers – we turn to caregivers when we require support; however, who does the caregiver go to when he or she becomes overwhelmed? Respite care provides short-term relief to enable the caretaker time off. The time off can be a day, a week, a portion of a day to run errands, or several days for a self-care vacation. To assist the patient and the family, the respite caregiver will perform the same functions as the regular caregiver either on a “when needed” or on a regular basis.

Are home care providers properly qualified?

Professional home care agencies maintain high standards – they take compliance very seriously.  

• Caregivers undergo comprehensive background checks – we need to attain a high level of trust with the caregivers we hire and use, and that trust starts with a background check. The goal is to protect families and seniors. 

Potential caregivers are subjected to a criminal background check, including a sex offender search and drug test. Their past employment, including any prior behavioral-based complaints, is verified, as is their educational background. Since they will be transporting the senior in their care by car, even their driving record may be scrutinized. 

Families can rest easier when they realize that their sick senior is in reliable hands.

• Regular training and skill updates are required – The training requirement for caregivers differs from state to state. All must possess fundamental skills, such as standard care, grooming, and monitoring elderly clients. The skill and training level is increased for caregivers caring for dementia patients, conducting physical therapy, and administering drugs. Families need to know the exact skill set of the caregiver to whom they are entrusting their loved one. They need to be assured that the “fit” is as needed. 

• Agencies provide supervision and quality monitoring – Healthcare regulations change frequently, and it is the healthcare agency’s responsibility to keep up with the changes and ensure that their caretakers follow each new regulation and rule. Compliance is crucial to everyone – the caregiver, the needy senior, and his or her family. Monitoring new laws and the adherence to said laws by their caregivers is a huge but necessary challenge for agencies. This is best ensured by continuous regular training of the caregivers. 

• Professional certifications and ongoing education are emphasized – Not all senior caregivers are qualified to perform the same duties. Below are the specialized certifications available and their functions and what they mean to the families who hire them. 

1. A certified dementia practitioner is appropriate for caregivers with Alzheimer’s and Dementia experience and training.
2. Basic healthcare certificates emphasize the fundamental skills of kindhearted care for the elderly and their needs, from grooming to monitoring their changing health.
3. Personal Care and Support Certificates are for caregivers who wish to assist seniors daily and provide companionship. These certificates enable the caregiver to develop a long-term, close relationship with seniors and their families.
4. Respite Certificates are for providing temporary and respite care when the primary caregiver is unavailable – as discussed above.

The NCCDP (National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners) offers continuing education, seminars, and online lectures in the care of dementia. 

What does modern home care provide?

Modern home care services offer the following:

• Technology integration for enhanced care coordination – In these modern times, technology plays an ever-increasing role in senior health. Devices are now available that monitor our vital signs without a visit to the doctor’s office and provide us with answers instantaneously. Caregivers can train both the patient and the family in the use of these devices. Computerized files allow immediate access to our entire healthcare record, even if it involves another facility or doctor. 

Regular checkups and medical discussions can now be done virtually via computer.

• Flexible scheduling options – fortunately, seniors have flexible options when they require medical care. Several states have old-fashioned, insurance-covered home visits available from qualified doctors. 

Telehealth is a convenient way to speak with a doctor or have an emergency prescription refilled without leaving the comforts of home.

• Regular care plan reviews and updates – People’s health changes. Healthcare plans change. For these reasons, applicable senior healthcare plans should be reviewed on a regular basis. When doing so, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How has the patient’s health changed? If necessary, the plan can be updated.
2. Are new medications recommended that are not covered under the current plan?
3. Have the day-to-day needs of the patient changed?
4. Changes aren’t just physical. Are there indications of changes in the patient’s mental health? 

Such an annual review by family and caregivers will ensure optimal care for the patient.

• Comprehensive support for both physical and emotional well-being – Physical and emotional support from family and caregivers can help seniors thrive. This includes ensuring regular checkups, access to stimulating activity, a healthy diet, and the opportunity for social interaction with friends and community groups. Seniors should be encouraged to exercise regularly according to the best of their ability – yoga is an ideal option.  

In addition to safe physical activities, it is critical to provide seniors with books, games, and puzzles for mental stimulation. 

What should you consider when exploring home care options?

When considering home care:

• Ask questions about services and customization options – You are entrusting the care of someone you love to a caregiver. It is critical to know who this person is and how his or her presence and care will affect your loved one. Here are some questions to present to the agency:

1. Discuss the type of background check the agency performs.
2. Ask how the caretakers are supervised.
3. What does the agency do when a caretaker is unavailable?
4. Are caregivers bonded?
5. Can the agency provide references for the recommended caregiver?
6. What type of training does the agency provide?
7. Does the agency have performance standards and how are these implemented?
8. Does the agency remain in touch with the family; if so, how?
9. How are problems handled?

• Request detailed information about caregiver qualifications – here is the minimal information you should have regarding your caregiver: 

1. Skills as they relate to the caregiver’s position.
2. Did he or she pass a background check?
3. Does he or she have a driver’s license?
4. What training and skills specific to this job does the caregiver have?
5. Does the caretaker have any certificates?

Do not hesitate to ask probing and personal questions, and you might consider offering a trial employment period.