by Lisa (Parrett) Treadwell
When an older senior or their family
caregivers first approach me about helping them sell a house,
downsize, and possibly transition the senior to a smaller, more
manageable living arrangement, one of the first things they often ask
me about is home health care.
caregivers first approach me about helping them sell a house,
downsize, and possibly transition the senior to a smaller, more
manageable living arrangement, one of the first things they often ask
me about is home health care.
As a Certified Senior Housing Professional, it’s my job to help seniors prepare for a late-in-life
transition by researching what senior housing options in Indianapolis
are right for them and then – if the time is right – use my
skills as an Indy real estate agent to help them sell a house and get
ready to move.
transition by researching what senior housing options in Indianapolis
are right for them and then – if the time is right – use my
skills as an Indy real estate agent to help them sell a house and get
ready to move.
Obviously, the first important goal is
to ascertain whether the senior can age-in-place in their own home.
If that’s not feasible, the second question is whether the older
adult can live independently – perhaps after moving to a smaller
apartment or mother-in-law cottage. If either are possible and the
move to an assisted living facility or Indiana senior retirement
community will be delayed for a while, the services of a home health
care provider are often necessary.
to ascertain whether the senior can age-in-place in their own home.
If that’s not feasible, the second question is whether the older
adult can live independently – perhaps after moving to a smaller
apartment or mother-in-law cottage. If either are possible and the
move to an assisted living facility or Indiana senior retirement
community will be delayed for a while, the services of a home health
care provider are often necessary.
However, there are a wide variety of
different options when it comes to home health care and all are
dependent on the senior’s health and the financial situation of the
family.
different options when it comes to home health care and all are
dependent on the senior’s health and the financial situation of the
family.
I’ve composed this guide to define and
help you understand some of the basic home health care terms and
roles.
help you understand some of the basic home health care terms and
roles.
There is a Big Difference
Between Home Health Care and Home Care Services
Between Home Health Care and Home Care Services
Medical services are
included with Home Health Care and is intended for those suffering an
illness or injury. It may include occupational and physical therapy
and even skilled nursing. Meanwhile, Home Care services are focused
on basic assistance like cooking, transportation, cleaning,
companionship, and the like.
included with Home Health Care and is intended for those suffering an
illness or injury. It may include occupational and physical therapy
and even skilled nursing. Meanwhile, Home Care services are focused
on basic assistance like cooking, transportation, cleaning,
companionship, and the like.
Different Types of
Caregivers
Caregivers
Medical Home Health
This may be provided by a
licensed nurse or a home health aide. Medicare and private insurance
will cover this, but usually only on a short-term basis and only
after a hospitalization. It is not around-the-clock care.
licensed nurse or a home health aide. Medicare and private insurance
will cover this, but usually only on a short-term basis and only
after a hospitalization. It is not around-the-clock care.
Private Caregiving
Medical staff that offers
24/7 care including nursing. In addition to patient care, cooking,
cleaning, and transportation may be provided. Payment is
out-of-pocket or through long term care insurance.
24/7 care including nursing. In addition to patient care, cooking,
cleaning, and transportation may be provided. Payment is
out-of-pocket or through long term care insurance.
Personal Assistance
Typically provided through a
companion care business, this is for seniors who only need some help
and are relatively healthy. No skilled medical care is offered and,
in fact, the companions are not even allowed to handle medication,
although they may remind the senior to take the meds themselves. The
primary function of the companion staff is to visit for a few hours
daily and provide cooking, cleaning, and basic help.
companion care business, this is for seniors who only need some help
and are relatively healthy. No skilled medical care is offered and,
in fact, the companions are not even allowed to handle medication,
although they may remind the senior to take the meds themselves. The
primary function of the companion staff is to visit for a few hours
daily and provide cooking, cleaning, and basic help.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Home Health Care Explained
In short, if an older adult
requires medical assistance you’ll wish to contact an Indianapolis
home health care agency.
requires medical assistance you’ll wish to contact an Indianapolis
home health care agency.
If no medical skill is
necessary, contact an Indiana home care (also known as companion
care) agency.
necessary, contact an Indiana home care (also known as companion
care) agency.
As I mentioned at the
beginning of this article, it’s my job as a Certified Senior Housing
Professional to guide seniors and their caregiver families through
late-in-life housing transitions. I’ll be happy to offer any advice
or meet with you to discuss arranging the sale of an Indian house or
simply to help your family and loved one investigate their senior
housing options. Contact me here for a no-obligation chat.
beginning of this article, it’s my job as a Certified Senior Housing
Professional to guide seniors and their caregiver families through
late-in-life housing transitions. I’ll be happy to offer any advice
or meet with you to discuss arranging the sale of an Indian house or
simply to help your family and loved one investigate their senior
housing options. Contact me here for a no-obligation chat.
