For the vast majority of older adults, the prospect of facing a move to an assisted living or nursing facility is difficult. It’s only natural to want to remain in the familiarity of home, where we can decide on our own when we want to wake up, when and what we want to eat, who we wish to spend our time with, etc. Thankfully, remaining at home throughout aging is now a viable option for many seniors, due to the variety of types of age in place home care services in California that are now available. The experts at Hillendale Home Care, located in Walnut Creek, CA, break down the differences to help families determine if senior age in place home care services is an option for their loved ones:

  • Private Pay Home Care: Private pay (also known as private duty) home care services are those that are non-medical in nature, such as companionship, help with housework, transportation, personal care, meal preparation and more. Private duty services are typically paid for out of pocket by the senior or his or her family. Sometimes services are also covered by long-term care insurance, workers’ compensation, or veterans programs. It is important to note, however, that Medicare does not cover long-term private duty care.
  • Home Health Care: This type of care covers skilled nursing care that is typically required at home for treatment of an injury or sickness – wound care, diabetes monitoring, injections, blood pressure checks, and others. Home health care may sometimes also include physical, occupational or speech therapy. Some home health care services may be covered by Medicare, when certain requirements are met.
  • Geriatric Care Management: Geriatric care managers (also known as Aging Life Care Specialists) assist with the details of a senior’s life or estate that are outside the scope of direct care providers, including things like financial and estate management. They are also available to coordinate care for the senior, mediate communications with the family, or assist with closing up a household for a move to an alternative living arrangement. Geriatric care management is typically an out-of-pocket expense.
  • Hospice Care: Hospice care is designed to provide support and comfort to patients who are nearing the end of life. Hospice covers a range of services such as nursing, mental health, and spiritual counseling. Hospice care coverage is generally offered by most private insurance providers as well as through Medicare.

 

Would one of these types of home care help a senior in your life? We’d love to talk with you in more detail to share how Hillendale Home Care’s age in place home care services can help make aging in place and life at home safer and more comfortable for your senior loved one. Whether he or she could benefit from assistance with personal care needs such as bathing and dressing meal planning and preparation, light household chores, transportation and accompaniment to appointments and to run errands, or other aging care needs, we’re here for you, around the clock. Contact us at your convenience at 925-933-8181 with any questions about options for aging in place or to schedule a free in-home assessment or browse our website at www.hillendale.net.