In-Home Care

As the caregiver of an elderly or disabled adult, it can be difficult to handle and anticipate all the needs your loved one may have. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a caregiver, but don’t want to sacrifice the independence your loved one enjoys, in-home care may be a good solution for you.

What is in-home care?

In-home care describes a broad range of services administered inside the home. It can mean help around the house, companionship, or part-time medical care. These services are designed to help your loved one stay in their home longer.

How will I pay for it?

Medicare generally doesn't pay for home caregiving services, so most people have to pay out-of-pocket. Private caregivers can be expensive, but they are usually less expensive than an assisted living facility. Search for Home Care Payment Assistance

Programs that can Help

PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a Medicare program that provides care and services to people who otherwise would need to be in a nursing home. PACE covers medical, social service, and long-term care costs. PACE allows people who qualify to continue living at home instead of moving to a long-term care facility. There may be a monthly charge.

You can join PACE if you meet the following conditions:

You are 55 years old or older.
You live in the service area of a PACE organization.
You are certified by the state in which you live as meeting the need for the nursing home level of care.
You are able to live safely in the community with the help of PACE services at the time you enroll.

If you are a veteran, please check with your local VA about what benefits are available—some provide in-home care for veterans. Get help understanding your Veteran Benefits

When is it time to think about in-home care?

Often the signs that your loved one needs some more help can be unclear, especially if they aren’t willing or able to communicate their needs to you. If you suspect that it might be time to bring in outside care, look for these signs:

Lifestyle

The house is disorganized or messy
There isn't food in the house
You loved one can't easily move around the house
Your loved one is leaving the house less
Car shows signs of a recent accident
Mail is unopened or bills are unpaid

Health

Weight loss/gain
Unable to prepare meals
No appetite
Declining hygiene
Injuries incurred in the house, or inability to reach medical care when it's needed

Social

No active relationships
Long periods of time spent alone
Less interest in activities your loved one has always enjoyed

What are my options?

Companion Care

Companion care services provide just that—companionship for your loved one. This can be conversation, reading aloud, or playing games, and usually includes some light housekeeping and meal preparation. This is ideal for you if your family member has become socially inactive, or you find that you’re regularly unavailable for long periods of time.

Personal Care Assistants

Personal Care Assistants focus on daily living activities—meal preparation, errands or grocery shopping, and helping with hygiene and housekeeping. If you notice that your family member could use some extra help around the house, this might be the service for you.

Home Health Agencies

Your loved one might require consistent medical attention that you’re just not equipped to give. That’s where a Home Health Agency can really help. Medical professionals will administer the care your loved one needs in their home.