When/Where Should you Start Looking for Home Care?
Here are some resources where you can look for help:
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People you know. For many older people, family, friends, and neighbors are the biggest source of help. Talk with those close to you about the best way to get what you need.
Community and local government resources. Learn about the types of services and care found in your community. Healthcare providers and social workers may have suggestions. The local Area Agency on Aging, local and state offices on aging or social services, and your tribal organization have lists of services. Look in the phone book under "government." If you belong to a religious group, check with its local offices. The group might have a senior services program.
Geriatric care managers. Specially-trained people known as geriatric care managers can help make your daily life easier. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the right services. They charge for this help, and it probably won't be covered by any insurance plan. If you live far away, geriatric care managers can be very helpful. They will check in with you from time to time to make sure your needs haven't changed.
Federal Government sources. There are many resources from the federal government where you can start looking for information on help. Some are on the Internet and only available with a computer. Federal government websites are reliable. If you don't have a computer, you might be able to find one at your local library or senior center. Or ask your local Area Agency on Aging. The Eldercare Locator has information on many different services for older people: www.eldercare.gov.
How Much Will Home Care Cost?
Some types of help could cost a lot. Thinking about how you are going to pay for the help you need is an important part of planning. Some things you want may cost a lot. Others may be free. Some things may be covered by Medicare, private "Medigap" policies or other private health insurance, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. Some may not. Check with your insurance provider(s). There is a chance that paying for just a few services out of pocket could cost less in the long run than moving into an independent living, assisted living, or long-term care facility. And you will have your wish of still living in your own home.
Once you have thought about which services you need, you can find out about Federal, State, and local government benefits at www.govbenefits.gov. Another website to search for benefits is www.benefitscheckup.org from the National Council on Aging.
The National Institute on Aging is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes on Health, and leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life.