Private home care is a fast-growing area of health care. It helps people of all ages and disabilities to maintain their independence at home.
The services provided by Private Home Care agencies range from light housekeeping, to meal preparation, to companionship. They are also a great alternative to Medicare or Medicaid-funded home care.
Personal Care
Private duty home care provides non-medical in-home care services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services provide individuals with a range of caregiving needs, including meal preparation, light housekeeping and transportation.
In many cases, private home care is a cost-effective option for families seeking assistance with daily living tasks. The benefits include a one-on-one relationship with a caregiver, and the reassurance that a professional will be there to support your loved one.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on a home care agency or independent provider. Agencies can be more expensive, but they can also offer a higher quality of service due to the extensive background checks and interview process.
Meal Preparation
Meal preparation is a critical component of any elderly loved one’s well-being. Not only is it essential to a healthy diet, but it’s also a fun activity that can help alleviate your caregiving duties.
The right caregiving tools can make the meal prep process a breeze for you and your loved one. For example, there are many options available when it comes to food delivery including services like Amazon, Shipt and Instacart.
In addition to the obvious food service options, there are a few other fun options that may be worth checking out. For example, a nifty new app can help you track your meal prep tasks so that you can get an overview of how long it takes to prepare the meals. The best part is, you can do it all from the comfort of your home or office.
Light Housekeeping
Light housekeeping is a common service offered to seniors and individuals with disabilities as part of a home care package. It typically consists of tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping floors, putting away laundry, cleaning bathrooms, and organizing drawers, closets, and kitchens.
In private home care, these tasks are often performed by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA). They may be done by an agency or on a case-by-case basis. They may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid, or paid out of pocket. Generally, the best place to find light housekeeping help is your local home care agency. It will be able to provide you with referrals for the best and brightest homecare aides in your area. It will also help you create an overall Service Plan that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
Transportation
If your loved one can’t drive or has limited mobility because of age-related medical issues, private transportation is often the best option. These services can be arranged through your local Area Agency on Aging or ElderCare Locator.
Home health care agencies that offer transportation services can boost revenue by helping clients get to their medical appointments. They also can gain a powerful foot in the door with community partners and hospitals, a key goal of many home care agencies.
But the risk involved with offering private duty transportation is a concern for many home care agencies. Not only do they have to limit liability for staff drivers, but the insurers that insure their vehicles can also increase premiums.
Companionship
Many aging people who want to remain at home need companionship, whether they’re struggling with isolation or need transportation to medical and therapy appointments. Strong social support has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve memory and overall health and longevity, so having a care companion is an essential service.
A companion can be hired privately, either directly by the client or through a home care agency. The advantage of using an agency is that they conduct background checks, pay the caregiver legally, and provide backup care when a scheduled companion can’t make it to the house.
Companion care is not covered by Medicare, but it can be paid out of pocket through long-term care insurance or other resources. It’s important to prioritize the needs and preferences of the senior in need of care, and find a companion who will fit their lifestyle and personality.