Get the Information You Need with Our Home Care FAQs
Searching for the right home care service can feel overwhelming. Beyond sorting through dozens of options, you likely have lots of questions about what home care entails. Fortunately, BrightStar Care offers in-home care to patients and families across the United States. We can answer all your questions about getting high quality care from skilled compassionate providers. Take a look at our home care Frequently Asked Questions, our Home Care Guide or reach out to a local BrightStar Care agency with specific inquiries.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home home healthcare is a service that provides skilled medical care in a person’s home. At BrightStar Care, our in-home skilled nursing staff and professional caregivers each have a unique skill set. We’ll work with you to understand which fits your needs best. Seniors most often take advantage of home health care, but it may also be offered to people recovering from an illness or injury. Whether your loved one needs short-term or long-term care, medical or non-medical in-home care, we’re here to provide qualified, compassionate support. According to a recent report by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice(Opens in a new window), over 12 million Americans receive home health care services each year, a testament to its widespread benefits. BrightStar Care is glad to offer the following home health care services:
- Skilled nursing
- In-home therapies
- Short-term transitional care
- Wound care
- IV therapies and in-home infusions
How Is Home Care Different?
Although they sound quite similar, home care is different from home health care. Home health care includes things like companion and personal care and offers people extra help without sacrificing their independence. Home care may encompass physical tasks like bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as medication reminders and light meal preparation.While some of our clients need complex medical care, a significant number trust us to offer assistance with more general activities of daily living (ADLs) and even companionship. Our specific services include:
What standards for home health care does BrightStar Care® follow?
Providing our clients with A Higher Standard of Care® is a key part of our mission. That’s why BrightStar Care® has a rigorous hiring and training process for all staff, adhering to the strict standards set by the Joint Commission(Opens in a new window). You can be assured that your in-home nurse or caregiver is trained, certified, and prepared to tend to the well-being of your loved one. We require all staff to maintain proper certification and attend ongoing educational training. In-home care staff are trained to proactively address such issues as precautionary measures to prevent slips and falls, disease transmission prevention, and allergy awareness and preparedness.
Who typically needs home care or home health services?
Different people have different needs at different points in their journey. We serve a variety of clients that benefit from home care services, spanning a wide range of ages, conditions and situations. Although many of our clients include seniors and individuals recovering from surgery, we also care for children, babies and teens with special needs.
What Services Are Included in Home Care?
A wide range of services may be included within home care packages. The specifics will depend on your loved one's needs and whether they require simple companion care or more complex skilled care delivered by a nurse.
Professional caregivers can assist with everyday tasks, often falling under the banner of non-skilled care, including:
- Help with bathing and personal hygiene
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation
- Mobility assistance
- Errands and transportation
- Light household chores
- Home safety evaluations
- Symptom management
- Health monitoring
- Caregiver education
- Coordination of care
What Are the Two Basic Types of Caregivers?
Caregivers come in all forms, but Johns Hopkins Medicine(Opens in a new window) distills caregivers into two basic types: formal and informal. Here's what you need to know about these kinds of caregiving:- Formal: Formal caregivers, like those provided by BrightStar Care, are paid for their services and have specialized training in health or caregiving.
- Informal: Traditional family caregivers are considered informal caregivers. These people often provide services without payment and are usually related to the person they're caring for. They may complete a range of tasks for a loved one, such as transporting them to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, housekeeping and cooking.
Professional caregivers can help offer family caregivers a much-needed break from looking after a loved one, becoming a valued part of a much larger care team and support system. In addition to providing in-home care for your loved one, we also help connect family caregivers with valuable community and support resources.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care(Opens in a new window) is a specialized form of medical support offered to individuals nearing the end of their lives. Patients are only eligible for hospice if a doctor has certified that they have six months or less to live, given the typical progression of their condition. Hospice services include pain and symptom management, emotional support and bereavement services. Hospice care offers no provisions for curative treatment. According to a Mayo Clinic(Opens in a new window) article, hospice care is pivotal in ensuring that patients experience dignity and comfort in their final days.With this definition in mind, we can also address this common question: What is hospice care at home? While hospice can be provided in a nursing home or hospital setting, it is most often given at a patient's home. This allows them to live their final months in the peace and comfort of their own space.
What Is Palliative Care at Home?
Palliative care is similar to hospice but is not exclusive to patients with a life-limiting condition. This type of medical care focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress caused by a serious illness. It aims to improve quality of life by taking a holistic approach, honing in on physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Patients undergoing palliative care are welcome to try curative treatments beyond pain control and symptom management. The World Health Organization states that early palliative care can significantly improve patients' quality of life. While some providers offer care in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, many patients opt to receive palliative care without leaving home.How Do I Choose a Home Care Provider?
If you've decided that home care is the best option for your loved one, you'll need to start looking at home care providers in your area. The search can be overwhelming—it seems like there's another agency on every street. Thankfully, choosing a provider doesn't have to be so stressful. Here are some tips for making a sound decision(Opens in a new window):- Assess Your Needs: Think about the specific kinds of care your loved one will need. They may require lots of medical care, or they might only need a few hours of companion care per week.
- Do Your Research: Conduct in-depth research on home care providers in your area. Be sure your top choices have all the proper licenses and certifications.
- Complete Background Checks: Reputable providers will have background checks on all their caregivers. Don't be afraid to ask about background checks and what methods are used to screen employees.
- Take Note of Caregiver Training: Inquire about the training and qualifications of the caregivers employed by the agency. Find out how supervision and performance management works.
- Ask About Services: Don't forget to ask exactly which services will be provided to your loved one. Each agency varies in what they offer, so it's crucial to find one that can accommodate your loved one's specific needs.
- Explore Insurance Coverage: Discuss fees, payment options and insurance coverage that the provider accepts. While many will work with Medicare and Medicaid, it's always helpful to confirm.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as healthcare professionals, friends or family members who have experience with home care agencies. Some providers may offer references upon request.
- Check Accreditations: Reliable care providers should be accredited by recognized organizations. For example, BrightStar Care is proud to have earned accreditation, as well as quality awards, from the Joint Commission, a national healthcare standards organization.
Does Your Top Provider Check These Boxes?
Once your home care options are narrowed down to a few top choices, it's time to compare their pros and cons. Before committing to a certain provider, make sure they check off all the following boxes:- Approved by your insurance
- Offers the services your loved one needs
- Can accommodate special needs (i.e., dietary restrictions)
- Has staff available during the appropriate hours (i.e., 24/7 care)
- Meets financial needs
- Does background checks on all caregivers and staff
- Has good references
- Comes recommended by healthcare providers
How Much Does 24-Hour Care at Home Cost?
The cost of 24-hour care at home varies depending on several factors, such as location and the specific services needed. Once you have your list of potential home care providers narrowed down, reach out to each option and ask about expenses. Your short list of providers can also help you explore resources to help pay for care, depending on your eligibility and available coverage options.Does Medicare Pay for Home Care?
If a senior meets certain eligibility requirements, Medicare may pay for home care services. Coverage varies, so be sure to consult your policy to learn more about the extent of your benefits. In general, here's what Medicare covers(Opens in a new window):- Intermittent skilled nursing care
- Home health aide services, if the patient is receiving skilled nursing care and the service is related to an illness or injury
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy deemed necessary by a doctor
- Medical social services, such as counseling, that help patients cope with the emotional aspect of an illness
- Medical supplies, excluding prescription medications
- Medical equipment, including wheelchairs
How Do I Get Medicare to Pay for Home Care?
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, does cover “in-home support services” and will pay for services provided to qualifying patients. For Medicare to pay for home care services(Opens in a new window), the patient’s doctor must deem that the patient needs medical care at home. If they satisfy this requirement, along with all the following, Medicare may pay for home health care. Patients should check their insurance benefits.What Isn't Covered by Medicare?
Fortunately for many, Medicare pays for most costs associated with home health care. However, it's important to remember that some items may not be covered under Medicare. Medicare plans do not typically pay for:- 24-hour home care
- Prescription medications
- Meal delivery
- Housekeeping services
- Personal care services when it's the only type of care needed
How Can My Loved One Benefit From Home Care?
While finding the right home care provider may seem stressful, the search is worth it in the long run. Home care offers a range of benefits to seniors who need help going about their daily activities. Although everyone has a different experience, many people report the following benefits(Opens in a new window):- A Sense of Independence and Comfort: Home care enables seniors to maintain a level of independence by continuing to live at home. Caregivers may assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation while still allowing their clients to do things for themselves, all from the comforts of home.
- More Cost-Effective: Residency in a nursing home is expensive. While home care may come with a few costs of its own, Medicare recipients will pay much less out of pocket than their counterparts in a nursing home.
- Customizable: Home care services can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, providing one-on-one attention that may not be available in a nursing home.
- A Respite for Family Caregivers: Burnout is common among family caregivers. Home health care gives these individuals a chance to take a break from responsibilities and prioritize their well-being.