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Knowing When to Seek Skilled Help for Senior Care

As our loved one’s age, their care needs often increase, requiring assistance and support to ensure their well-being. While family members may try their best to provide care, there are instances when professional help becomes necessary. Recognizing when to seek skilled assistance for senior care is crucial in ensuring the safety, health, and overall quality of life for our elderly family members.

When seniors experience a decline in their overall health or are diagnosed with complex medical conditions, it may be time to consider skilled help. Skilled healthcare professionals, such as nurses, possess the necessary expertise to manage medical conditions, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and address emergency situations effectively. Their presence ensures that seniors receive appropriate medical attention, and their health needs are met.

Medicare-certified home health care is available to individuals who meet certain criteria set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare will pay 100% for those qualified.

To qualify for Medicare-certified home health care, an individual must meet the following requirements:

MediCare Eligibility: The person seeking home health care must be eligible for Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers home health services. Typically, this includes individuals who are 65 years or older or those with certain disabilities.

Physician’s Order: A doctor must certify that the person requires intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, or continued occupational therapy. The certification must be based on a face-to-face examination conducted by the physician or an allowed non-physician practitioner.

Homebound Status: The individual must be considered homebound, which means leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort. This can include assistance from another person or the use of a mobility aid.

Care Plan: A plan of care must be established and reviewed regularly by a doctor. The plan should outline the necessary services, and it must be reviewed at least once every 60 days or when there is a significant change in the individual’s condition.

It’s important to note that not all home health care agencies are Medicare-certified. If you’re looking to receive Medicare coverage for home health care, you must select an agency that is certified by Medicare. These agencies meet specific quality and safety standards set by CMS.

Recognizing when to seek skilled help for senior care is essential for the well-being of our aging loved ones and ourselves as caregivers. By acknowledging the signs of declining health, increased dependence, cognitive impairment, social isolation, and caregiver burnout, we can make informed decisions to ensure seniors receive the professional care they require. Seeking skilled assistance not only improves the quality of life for seniors but also provides support for family members, fostering a sense of peace and confidence in the care being provided.

What is the Difference Between Companion Care and Personal Care?

When someone mentions Home Care, there is a wide range of services they may be offering and sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what those services are. This is intended as guide to give you more information about the names of the services and which one might be right for you.

It’s important to remember that home care is different than a Home Health Agency, these agencies primarily focus on skilled medical care at the home that a standard care provider cant give. Make sure to call and discuss with a company exactly what type services they provide, as well as research that they are a reputable company.

Home Care will basically fall into two categories: Companion Care and Personal Care. When you are talking about Companion Care this is usually a less intensive, non-medical type service. This often includes activities like taking care of a pet, driving to Doctors appointments or any errand for that matter, light household cleaning, preparing of meals, grocery shopping, washing dishes or clothes and watering plants. One of the most underrated services they can provide is simple companionship, whether that is playing cards, going on walks or simply a warm smile, it can make all the difference. We all have to deal with loneliness or isolation, but these problems can acutely affect us, as we get older.  Companion Care can be a great service to alleviate some loneliness, as well provide some basic help.

Personal Care is slightly different, they will generally provide all of the services covered by Companion Care, in addition to more hands on services like help with taking medication, bathing and dressing. Personal Care is usually for people who require a much higher degree of assistance rather than merely help with chores and appointments.

It is important not to expect more from a caregiver than what they have been trained to do. Make sure to have a frank discussion before hiring someone about what they are and are not able to perform in the execution of their job. It can be a little scary for some people to invite a stranger into their home, it is important to research any company you hire for Home Care to have a good reputation. However, it’s also important to remember that most of the time caregivers very warm, good people who love what they do and provide a lot of assistance, either for you or a loved one.

Article from seniordirectory.com

What is Respite?

Respite Definition: What is Respite Care and When Do I Need It?

The dictionary’s respite care definition is “a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant” or “an interval of rest or relief”.  Respite care generally refers to care provided to offer such a break to a primary caregiver.  Respite might be provided full-time for a period such as a week or two (for example while a caregiver travels) or might be provided on an intermittent basis (such as every afternoon or once/week so the caregiver can run errands, rest or attend an activity).  You can find a good overview of respite care in Aging Wisely’s post, “Caregivers: Options for Respite“.

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