8
ARTICLES
HOME HEALTH CARE
FOREVER YOUNG
BY JUDITH A. RUCKI
T
ime was when a relative fell ill or needed help with daily living, family was nearby. It was not unusual for several generations to live under one roof and help care for each other. But times have changed and, with the sixty-five-plus population projected to grow from 2020’s fifty-six million to seventy-three million in 2030, the need for home health care will grow as well. Studies show that seniors who consulting an elder care lawyer to sift may need in the future. The Institute age in place tend to live longer than through them is advised. He or she notes that, “You can get almost any those who move to nursing homes, can help with drawing up a personal type of help you want in your home— and that home health care can result care agreement that will serve as a for a cost.” Get information about in physically and mentally healthier contract between the care recipient services from the local Area Agency recipients. There are several options and the caregiver. Money paid to the on Aging, local and state offices on for keeping loved ones at home. caregiver is taxable income; the IRS aging and social services, or nearby Information can be overwhelming, considers it a wage, not a gift. senior centers. but the more you have, the more FreedomCare, a Medicaid-funded Consider the level of assistance informed your choices will be. program, can help those looking to or care required. Does the person In many cases, spouses or family hire family as caregivers. According in question need task-specific help members can minister to loved ones’ to its website, FreedomCare is or full-time care? If someone is needs. This arrangement can save “the leading provider of Consumer struggling with driving or manual money, but costs and benefits must Directed Personal Assistant Program labor, explore services for grocery be weighed as the stress of caregiving (CDPAP) [which] allows New Yorkers delivery, laundry, housecleaning, yard can adversely affect family dynamics, to hire their own caregivers.” New work, etc. A friend or relative may be create scheduling struggles, and York residents with Medicaid seeking able to help with smaller things like require home safety modifications. help with daily activities are likely showering or dressing. Meals are Someone in need of assistance eligible; verify online or call 877-781sometimes served at senior centers may choose to compensate a family 5842. or houses of worship, and some meal member for home care services. The National Institute on Aging delivery programs are free or lowThere are numerous pros and cons urges planning ahead. Think about cost. Trusted relatives, volunteers, for this type of arrangement and the kind of help you, or a loved one, financial counselors, or geriatric care
