Have an older loved one who needs a little extra help at home? In-home care is often the best choice for individuals who need help in order to remain at home as they age. However, there are many aspects of home care that remain a mystery for those taking the plunge for the first time. We've compiled some of the most common questions about home care along with their answers below to help you make better, more informed care choices for your loved one.
Q: Will Medicare pay for long-term in-home care?
A: No. Although Medicare may pay for some home health care costs when very specific criteria are met, it was never intended to cover long-term in-home care.
Q: Is hiring an independent caregiver privately less expensive than using a home care agency?
A: No. Although at first glance hiring an independent caregiver may look less expensive than hiring a caregiver through an agency, there are many hidden costs when hiring an independent caregiver, like taxes and workers’ compensation coverage, as well as the risks of no supervision or monitoring of the caregiver.
Q: Is home care an appropriate choice for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia?
A: Sometimes, yes. Many home care agencies, like Independence-4-Seniors, can provide specialized care for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Q: What does ADL stand for?
A: ADL means Activities of Daily Living, or activities such as bathing, getting dressed, getting in or out of a chair or bed, walking, etc. ADL’s are analyzed when assessing which level of care is most appropriate for a person.
The staff at Independence-4-Seniors is always happy to answer any questions you have about home care and the kinds of services available. Contact our Chicago-based home care team at (630) 323-4665 to learn more about our care services.