Complete Guide to Home Care

If your loved one is dealing with a chronic illness, facing the more difficult challenges of growing older or needs a little extra attention, you may be asking yourself, “What is home health care and could it be right for my family?” Many families have come to realize that in-home care is just what their loved ones in order to experience the quality of life they deserve. Yet it can be difficult to determine if (and when) you need in-home help and what type of care will be most beneficial.

The vast majority of adults (77%) want to “age in place” in their own homes and neighborhoods where they feel comfortable, according to a recent AARP® Home and Community Preferences Survey. It also found that about two-thirds of respondents would prefer a combination of family caregivers and paid caregivers. Not only can in-home care be a cost-effective solution, it also meets your loved one’s emotional desire for familiarity. But you may still have questions about whether they really need help at home or not.

Everyone handles change differently – especially when it comes to everyday living and inviting someone into your loved one’s home to provide care. Talking about it can be difficult for them. And it can be difficult for you too. It’s important to start exploring your loved one’s wishes before it becomes an urgent need. This can happen through normal conversations with your loved ones, as well as talking with family members who should be involved with decisions like this.

If you’ve decided that you or a loved one need help at home, there are multiple ways to bring in a home care provider, including hiring them directly, choosing from a registry or working with a home care agency. There are benefits and drawbacks to all approaches, so it’s important to determine which one provides the best “fit” for your loved one’s needs and will give your family peace of mind.

There is no single solution that works for every family. The right solution is the one that works for you. Quite often, paying for in-home care uses a combination of funding sources. Many options for home care coverage have eligibility requirements and limitations. Rules surrounding resources like VA Benefits, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) sometimes change – so we’re here to help you navigate the details.

Discussing a loved one’s potential health problems and the aging process isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do, yet these things need to be addressed – especially if you have an elderly spouse or parents. Having early conversations about the possible need for elderly home care before it becomes an urgent matter can help reduce the likelihood of a future family conflict. Although there is often an emphasis on the changing relationship between a family caregiver and their aging or ailing loved one, it’s important to be attentive to other family relationships as well.

If you’re a family caregiver for an elderly loved one – or anyone who needs assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs) – you might feel very alone at times. You may discover that connecting with an online or in-person caregiver support group can help recharge your exhausted body and mind. Studies show that family caregivers face many challenges that have negative effects on their own health and that self-care can help minimize their impact.

When you choose BrightStar Care®, you choose a well-trained team that is dedicated to patient-centered care ranging from personal and companion care to specialized dementia care and skilled nursing services. We know that being in familiar surroundings provides your family member with a sense of independence and dignity – while also receiving the right care for their needs with a compassionate caregiver looking out for their health and safety. Our dedication to quality through Joint Commission accreditation and registered nurse involvement every step of the way give families peace of mind that their loved ones are experiencing the best care possible.