Aging is a natural process that affects us all at some point. Often, aging changes the way our minds and bodies function, which means seniors often need a little help to continue to live independent and dignified lives. Luckily, there is a home care service designed for every level of care.
The types of home care services you or your loved one require will vary depending on your medical condition and cognitive ability. And as you continue to age, you may find that you need more help and the next level of personal care.
Read on to gain an understanding of the different types of home care services for the elderly and which services you or your loved one would benefit from most.
The Difference Between In-Home Care Services and Personal Care Services
Personal Care Services
Personal care can provide your loved one with assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The various Area Agencies on Aging in Arkansas offer a mix of in-home personal care and personal care for those who are living in assisted living homes. ADLs can include:
- Grooming
- Bathing
- Hygiene
- Mobility
- Eating/Feeding
- Toileting
- Dressing
But personal care isn’t just about housekeeping and ensuring the physical well-being of your loved one. It’s also about preserving and promoting the mental well-being of seniors and helping them remain independent for as long as possible. Outsourcing personal care services also provide a sense of privacy and dignity that they may not have when family members are caring for them.
In-Home Services for Seniors
As you may have guessed from the name, in-home services provide home care for the elderly in their own home. The goal of senior home care services is to help individuals live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
When you work with the Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging (ARA), all of your loved one’s plans will be created with a licensed RN or qualified supervisor. They work with the individual, supervising family members, and physicians to assess and address the individual's specific medical, physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
Once an appropriate care plan is put into place, a trained home care attendant will provide monitored services according to this plan. They can help with everything from simple tasks like keeping up on laundry days and cooking meals to helping arrange medical appointments. Other possible services include:
- Personal hygiene
- Housework
- Shopping
- Transportation
- Meal preparation
- Pet assistance or care
- Medication assistance
- Dressing
- Laundry
- Socialization
For advanced cases of physical or cognitive decline, in-home care services may include medical supervision and the administration of prescription medication. Talk to your care coordinator about the exact level of care your elderly loved one needs.
Home Care Service Costs
The cost of your personal care, or in-home care services, will depend on your individual circumstances. You may qualify for help from Medicaid, the VA, or private insurance.
The Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging also offers varying levels of services like helping identify benefits that someone might qualify for and resources through Medicaid reimbursement, private pay, or free of charge. You can also apply for caregiver support grants to help ease the burden of caring for your elderly loved one alone.
Some of these resources and care options may help you keep your loved one independent and/or in their own home for as long as possible. The cost of home care vs. assisted living facilities can be surprisingly comparable if you have access to the right resources and advocacy.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging for more information. We’re happy to help you find qualified and vetted agencies for elderly home care in your area.
How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Home Health Care Services?
If you do qualify for Medicaid reimbursement, it is possible that your in-home care services could be covered. You just have to meet certain eligibility requirements:
- You must be an Arkansas resident
- You must be 65 or older
- You must meet a certain income requirement (See current Income Eligibility Criteria)
However, not meeting some of these income requirements does not mean an automatic rejection. Talk to a care coordination specialist about whether or not you can still qualify. They will walk you through the eligibility requirements, the exceptions, and the application process.
Home Care Services Near Me
If you are looking for home care services in Arkansas or you have questions about in-home senior care costs, contact the Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging. One of our information and assistance specialists will put you in touch with your Area Agency on Aging.
Once you have spoken to the Information and Assistance Department, they will connect you with a Care Coordinator. Our care coordinators act as liaisons between you and the care programs and benefits to which you are entitled. They are trained to provide you with all the information you need about services and benefits available to seniors in your area. They’ll help you develop a comprehensive care program for you or your loved one that addresses your unique physical, medical, mental, and emotional needs.
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