Home Care FAQs
Caregivers that come to your home or facility to care for your loved one. Their focus on assisting with activities of daily living (ADL's) such as going to the bathroom or maneuvering around the house. Caregivers can also provide companionship, transportation to doctor's appointments, and light housekeeping.
Should I hire my neighbor or use a company?
The choice is up to you. The benefits of hiring a company is the liability coverage in case of an accident, consistent care, background checks, drug screens and training. Consider your situation and evaluate the needs of your loved one.
How do I pay for Home Care?
Medicare does not pay for Home Care. Options are private pay, Medicaid, Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi), life insurance, Veteran’s benefits. Rates vary from $15-$35 per hour.
What is the difference in Home Care and Home Health Care?
Home care services are non-medical and provide companionship and assistance with activities of daily living. Home health care refers to medical skilled services that require a written order from a doctor and generally covered by your insurance.
What can Home Care workers do for me?
Workers can be caregivers, certified nursing assistants (CNA), licensed nurse practitioner (LPN). or registered nurse (RN).
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Help your loved one with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
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Assist your loved one with mobility
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Perform light housekeeping and laundry
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Prepare meals
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Run errands and take the person to physician’s appointments
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Provide companionship, conversation, and social activities
Sometimes, a person requires more care than a Caregiver can provide. In those cases, it makes sense to engage someone with certifications or credentials. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is trained to perform services in addition to ADL support.
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Take and record vital signs;
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Assist with certain medical equipment, including oxygen, walkers and wheelchairs
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Remind someone to take medications, but not administer medication
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Feed someone who can sit upright and swallow, but cannot feed themselves
A CNA cannot treat cuts or wounds, give injections, administer medication, or change catheters. If these services are required, a Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) may be required, depending on the person’s needs. A separate specialist may visit the home for these services.
Families sometimes hire more than one Caregiver – a full-time Caregiver may assist with ADLs, while a healthcare professional, such as an LPN, RN or physical therapist may visit the home daily or weekly to assist with additional tasks.