If you or a loved one is finding it harder to complete everyday tasks or to remain independent, chances are, you’ve begun to question what solutions are available to help. For full-service care, a skilled nursing center or an assisted living community can provide medical assistance and a stress-free, all-inclusive living experience. An independent living community can give support with maintenance and home upkeep, while a home care service can provide help with tasks in your own home. If more full-service care is not yet required and a little extra help in your own home is what you’re looking for, home care service may be the right fit. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions about what home care is and what it provides.
Q) What is home care?
A) Home Care is a service that enables individuals to remain in their own home while professional caregivers assist with daily tasks to help maintain the independence the individual desires. A home care service provides help with personal grooming (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.), meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and transportation for errands or appointments. A home care service differs from a home health care service in that it provides only non-medical care. It does not provide medical services like therapy, skilled nursing care, administrating of medications or injections, medical testing, pain management, or wound care.
Q) Why would someone use home care?
A) The services provided by a home care agency help an individual remain independent and in their own home as long as possible. Having access to a reliable caregiver brings peace of mind knowing that help is available if and when it’s needed. Home care services are often used by individuals who are aging and need assistance to live independently, those who are managing chronic health issues, those who are recovering from a medical setback, or those with special needs.
Q) Who comes into my home to provide the care?
A) A reputable home care agency will have professional caregivers who are trained and insured. At Snyder Village Home Care, each employee is screened and administered a background check before hiring. Personalities are also taken into consideration, as Snyder Village Home Care works with the client to find a caregiver whose personality and interests blend well with the client’s. “After two or three visits to the client from our caregiver, we will check in with the client and the family to see if it’s a good match,” explains Deb Albertson, Snyder Village Home Care Director. “So much of it is if their personalities blend.”
Q) Can you only use home care services in a private residence?
A) A home care agency can provide care wherever home may be. Most often it is in a private residence, but care can also be provided for someone residing in a senior living facility or in a temporary living situation, such as staying with friends or family.
Q) How do you pay for home care?
A) Payment options accepted by a home care agency will vary from company to company. Most commonly, individuals pay directly for the services they receive, which is referred to as “private pay.” Some services may be covered by certain insurance plans. Medicaid or Veterans benefits can also help cover the expense for some individuals. Most home care agencies will charge an hourly fee and have a minimum number of service hours required.
Q) How long does home care last?
A) The relationship between a home care agency and a client is unique to each individual and based on his/her needs. Some may only need to use home care services for a short time during recovery from an injury or medical setback, while others may need a more robust and long-term care plan. A home care agency can send a caregiver to a home for just a few hours once a week or for daily, around-the-clock care. When initially setting up services with a reputable agency, the staff will develop an individualized care plan with the number of hours needed for your care.
“In some cases, our professionals go in and provide coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in other cases, we have just helped out with transportation, like running to the grocery store or taking them to a doctor’s appointment,” explains Deb Albertson, Snyder Village Home Care Director.
With more people wanting to remain in their homes longer, the demand for home care is growing. It’s easy to understand the appeal – with the freedom and individualized service home care provides. It’s worth making a phone call to a reputable agency today to see if home care is the right solution for you.
Snyder Village Home Care provides a helping hand to individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. Call Snyder Village Home Care at (309) 367-2300 for more information and to schedule a no-cost, in-home consultation.
