Home Care versus

HOME CARE VERSUS HOME HEALTH CARE

HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF HOME CARE IS NECESSARY?

When self-care at home becomes difficult and/or family caregivers are not available to assist, home care may be the answer. Home care often relieves family members of basic caregiving functions and makes it possible to spend quality time, rather than the functional caregiving time. Home care is often easier and faster than moving to an institutional care setting and allows the senior to stay at home in familiar surroundings.

WHAT IS HOME HEALTH CARE?

When the need exceeds what home and personal care can provide, a home health care agency may be required. Home health care provides skilled medical services (such as administration and adjustment of medication levels, monitoring and dressing of wounds, etc.) in the home by trained medical personnel. Home health care is always ordered and supervised by a physician.

WHAT IS HOME CARE?

Simply put, home care is non-medical personal assistance provided in the home. Home care may include help with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene. It may include a wide range of services: taking and recording vital signs, assistance in the bathroom, light housekeeping, meal preparation,

Meaningful Minutes

companionship, grocery shopping and pharmacy errands, home safety supervision, medication reminders, bill-paying, laundry and transportation.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS?

Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances are sources of payment for receiving home and home health care. Home health care services are typically medically necessary. They are paid for by Medicare or other health insurance, and have been ordered by a physician. Private duty home care services are typically paid for privately, or using long-term care insurance, reverse mortgage proceeds, Veterans aid and attendance pension benefits, or some combination of any of these programs.

Taking time for yourself may seem impossible but try carving out 5 minutes in your day to press pause. It can make a world of difference. Consider turning your phone on silent mode and stepping away to:

• Get fresh-air

• Make a gratitude list

(write down 10 things you’re thankful for)

• Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee

• Five-minute breathing exercise

• Meditate (or just close your eyes and relax)

• Jot down your thoughts to clear your mind • Read a short article of interest

• Stretch

• Take a power nap • Chat with a friend or family member • Listen to a favorite song